Physical Attractiveness and the Female Life Cycle in 17th Century England

To Socrates “Beauty is a short-lived tyranny”.

As part of our 17th century celebration of female portraiture, Northampton University’s Dr Tim Reinke Williams demonstrates that however “Short-Lived” that tyranny may have been, it was a dominating preoccupation for women throughout their lives (however short or otherwise) in the 1600s. From childhood to Dowager, through the vicissitudes of childbirth, sickness, and natural aging, beauty was the only real currency a woman owned, and even then it was not hers to personally control. Dr Williams explores the social mores and personal attainments of beauty from the perspective of 17th century women in this one-off lecture.

In association with Moyse’s Hall Museum’s ‘Styled’ mini-exhibition.

Times: Doors 6:30pm, starts 7pm
Tickets: £10, £7.50 Friend or member of the “Arts Society Bury St Edmunds”
Booking: Advised - use the ‘Book now’ buttons or call The Apex Box Office on 01284 758000
Venue: Moyse's Hall Museum, Bury St Edmunds

This event is promoted by West Suffolk Heritage.