Middle Classes Collection

Group portrait at the Vittorio Veneto Railway Station before leaving for Mestre
3569933 Group portrait at the Vittorio Veneto Railway Station before leaving for Mestre by Unknown photographer, (20th century); (add.info.: Vittorio Veneto 1903 Photographer)

Group of nobles at the races at Auteuil, Paris
3569911 Group of nobles at the races at Auteuil, Paris by Unknown photographer, (19th century); (add.info.: Paris, France 1888 Photographer: Unidentified Author); Alinari Archives, Florence.

Group of nobles at the Grand Prix of Deauville, Paris
3569883 Group of nobles at the Grand Prix of Deauville, Paris by Unknown photographer, (19th century); (add.info.: Paris, France 1896 Photographer: Unidentified Author); Alinari Archives, Florence

Group portrait at the Vittorio Veneto Railway Station before leaving for Mestre
3569931 Group portrait at the Vittorio Veneto Railway Station before leaving for Mestre by Unknown photographer, (20th century); (add.info.: Vittorio Veneto 1903 Photographer)

Pair of nobles at the Grand Prix Longchamps, Paris
3569930 Pair of nobles at the Grand Prix Longchamps, Paris by Unknown photographer, (20th century); (add.info.: Paris, France 1903 Photographer: Unidentified Author); Alinari Archives, Florence.

Group of middle-class at the Grand Prix Longchamps, Paris
3569863 Group of middle-class at the Grand Prix Longchamps, Paris by Unknown photographer, (19th century); (add.info.: Paris, France 1895 Photographer: Unidentified Author); Alinari Archives

Plans of the Bourgeoisie in the face of impending revolution (litho)
STC366179 Plans of the Bourgeoisie in the face of impending revolution (litho) by Russian School (20th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: The 1917 Russian Revolution)

A day at the seaside in France late 19th century
3785381 A day at the seaside in France late 19th century; (add.info.: A day at the seaside. Caption reads La vie balneaire'. Liepig card series); Lebrecht History

Picnic in the countryside in France late 19th century
3785379 Picnic in the countryside in France late 19th century; (add.info.: Picnic in the countryside. Caption reads: La vie a la campagne'. Liebig card series.); Lebrecht History

The Beach at Deauville, 1864 (oil on wood panel)
5673774 The Beach at Deauville, 1864 (oil on wood panel) by Boudin, Eugene Louis (1824-98); 34.7 x 26 cm; Cleveland Museum of Art, OH, USA; French, out of copyright

Perspective View of the Ballroom, constructed in the Courtyard of the Hotel de Ville
STC101864 Perspective View of the Ballroom, constructed in the Courtyard of the Hotel de Ville (colour engraving) by French School

Victorian London - Lords cricket ground by Dore
3785243 Victorian London - Lords cricket ground by Dore by Dore, Gustave (1832-83); (add.info.: Victorian London - Lords cricket ground)

Victorian fete in London, Chiswick by Dore
3785241 Victorian fete in London, Chiswick by Dore by Dore, Gustave (1832-83); (add.info.: Victorian fete in London, Chiswick)

Victorian London - Lords cricket ground by Dore
3780236 Victorian London - Lords cricket ground by Dore by Dore, Gustave (1832-83); (add.info.: Victorian London - Lords cricket ground)

Covent Garden opera house
3792585 Covent Garden opera house by Dore, Gustave (1832-83); (add.info.: Covent Garden opera house stalls in London with audience. early 1870 s)

Perspective View of the Ballroom, constructed in the Courtyard of the Hotel de Ville
STC101865 Perspective View of the Ballroom, constructed in the Courtyard of the Hotel de Ville (detail of 101864) (colour engraving) by French School

Victorian London - Lords cricket ground
3779056 Victorian London - Lords cricket ground by Dore, Gustave (1832-83); (add.info.: Victorian London - Lords cricket ground)

Victorian ball at the Mansion House, London engraving by Gustave Dore
3780147 Victorian ball at the Mansion House, London engraving by Gustave Dore by Dore, Gustave (1832-83); (add.info.: Victorian ball at the Mansion House, London)

Beach at Trouville, 1864-5 (oil on wood)
XOS1765962 Beach at Trouville, 1864-5 (oil on wood) by Boudin, Eugene Louis (1824-98); 27x49 cm; National Gallery of Art, Washington DC, USA; French, out of copyright

Concert at the Casino of Deauville, 1865 (oil on canvas)
XOS1765945 Concert at the Casino of Deauville, 1865 (oil on canvas) by Boudin, Eugene Louis (1824-98); 41.7x73 cm; National Gallery of Art, Washington DC, USA; French, out of copyright

Beach Scene at Trouville, 1863 (oil on wood)
XOS1765933 Beach Scene at Trouville, 1863 (oil on wood) by Boudin, Eugene Louis (1824-98); 34.8x57.5 cm; National Gallery of Art, Washington DC, USA; French, out of copyright

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The middle classes of the Victorian era were a fascinating and diverse group, as depicted in various artworks from that time. In "The Beach at Deauville" by an unknown artist, we catch a glimpse of their leisurely pursuits. The painting showcases men and women strolling along the sandy shore, enjoying the fresh sea breeze and escaping the hustle and bustle of city life. Another artwork, "Perspective View of the Ballroom, " transports us to a grand event held in the Hotel de Ville's courtyard. This lavish setting reveals how the middle classes sought to emulate aristocratic lifestyles through extravagant social gatherings. In Gustave Dore's engravings, such as "Victorian London - Lords cricket ground" and "Victorian fete in London, Chiswick, " we witness both their love for sports and participation in community events. These images capture moments where people from different walks of life come together to enjoy recreational activities or celebrate local festivities. Furthermore, Covent Garden opera house stands as a symbol of cultural refinement embraced by this burgeoning class. Attending performances became an important part of their social calendar; it was an opportunity to showcase wealth while indulging in artistic pleasures. Through these depictions like "Victorian ball at Mansion House" or scenes from Trouville beach or Casino Deauville concerts by artists like Monet or Boudin respectively, we see how travel also played a significant role for this class. They ventured out to coastal resorts or attended glamorous events abroad – experiences that were once exclusive only to higher echelons but now accessible to them too. Overall, these artworks provide valuable insights into the lives led by the middle classes during this transformative period. Their aspirations for upward mobility are evident through their pursuit of leisure activities, engagement with culture and arts, involvement in community affairs – all contributing factors towards shaping society as we know it today.