It follows on from that last post. At the very start of the section about hair we referenced there was a mention of Mary, Queen of Scots, and her hair. We've discussed Mary and her possible red hair many times on here before, so I couldn't forgo this one.
This time it's stated that Mary had "dark and luxurious tresses", but wore "an auburn wig" over the top.
As with the last post the writing has a certain charm, so I'll quote in full.
THOUGH THE HAIR is certainly the loveliest frame that could be devised for the human face, and though we see it constantly in an infinite number of beautiful colours and shades, it is a curious fact that few women are quite satisfied with the colour of their own hair. Even those to whom nature has been as liberal in point of quality as in that of quantity, think they might look better if there was "just one more shade of gold," or "a richer dash of chestnut," or "a more decided black," in the chevelure. Even, Mary Queen of Scots was dissatisfied with her dark and luxuriant tresses, scented always with violets, and wore over them an auburn wig, the colour fashionable in the time of la reine rousse, Elizabeth. The love of change extends from the dress to the hair itself, and some wilful beauties would like to wear a different coloured coiffure with each costume.
The idea that Mary wore a wig is not a new one (it's said that when she was executed her severed head dropped from her wig as the executioner tried to lift it aloft to the watching crowd). The above is no doubt following in that tradition. Given that the work we're quoting from here was published in 1882 and Mary died in 1587 this account doesn't really add anything new. It's interesting nonetheless though.
No comments:
Post a Comment