Footman in Hall
Poster Prints from Mary Evans Picture Library
Footman in Hall
The footman turns up his nose at the plain fare provided in the servants hall
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 583644
© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10033827
1864 Fare Footman Footmen Nose Plain Provided Servants Turns
EDITORS COMMENTS
This evocative image captures the moment of disdain on the face of a footman as he surveys the plain fare laid out before him in the servants' hall. Dressed in his formal livery, with a proudly arched nose, he stands in stark contrast to the simple, rustic dishes that fill the table. The year is 1864, and the footman's role in the grand estate was one of service and obedience, yet even the servants were not immune to the hierarchies and pecking orders that existed within the household. The footman's expression suggests a sense of entitlement, a belief that he is above the simple food that has been provided for him. His posture is stiff and formal, his gaze fixed on the table with a look of distaste. It is a reminder of the class distinctions that existed during this period, and the expectations placed upon those in service. Despite the plainness of the fare, the table is set with care and attention, the dishes arranged neatly and the silverware polished to a shine. The footman's attitude may be a source of amusement to some, but it also highlights the complex dynamics of the servant-master relationship. The footman's role was to serve his master with dignity and respect, but even he was not immune to the desires and whims of his own nature. This photograph, taken by an unknown photographer and published by Mary Evans Picture Library, offers a glimpse into the past, a window into the world of the servants' hall and the footman's place within it. It is a reminder of the rich history and complex social structures that once existed, and the ways in which they continue to shape our understanding of the past.
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