Gent Offended by Tea
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Mary Evans Picture Library
Gent Offended by Tea
At a railway station buffet, a gentleman is offended by the suggestion that he might drink tea... Date: 1875
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 14268930
© Mary Evans Picture Library
1875 Barmaid Buffet Cigar Gent Gentleman Offended Suggestion
EDITORS COMMENTS
Gent Offended by Tea (1875) This intriguing cartoon, dating back to 1875, captures the essence of Victorian-era social norms and class distinctions through its humorous portrayal of a gentleman's indignation at the suggestion that he might partake in the seemingly mundane activity of drinking tea at a railway station buffet. The image features a well-dressed gentleman, holding a cigar in one hand and a newspaper in the other, standing at the counter of a railway station buffet. A barmaid, with a curious expression, leans towards him, suggesting, "Why not try a nice cup of tea, sir?" The gentleman's response is one of obvious offense, as he turns his nose up at the suggestion, his eyes narrowed in disdain. The cartoonist masterfully employs exaggerated expressions and body language to emphasize the gentleman's indignation, while also highlighting the contrast between the gentleman's refined attire and the working-class environment of the buffet. The barmaid, with her apron and feathered cap, represents the lower class, further emphasizing the social divide. This cartoon provides a fascinating glimpse into the social etiquette of the Victorian era, where tea, a beverage commonly associated with the working class and women, was considered beneath the dignity of a gentleman. The image is a testament to the rigid class distinctions of the time and the importance of maintaining social status through one's actions and choices. The intricate details of the illustration, from the gentleman's textured waistcoat to the patterned wallpaper in the background, add to the overall charm and historical significance of this charming and thought-provoking cartoon.
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