Design, Art, and Decor of England's Regency Era
Northanger Abbey and the Follies of Gentry
Northanger Abbey was Jane Austen's first completed novel but the last to be published. A satire of Gothic novels popular of its time and a reflection of the 19th century youth's obsession with the Gothic and macabre,
Austen plays with the concepts of imagination, mystery, and naivety, but also wealth, class, and social standing. The protagonist, Catherine, is desperate for excitement and intrigue while other
characters vie for higher social standing, wealthy connections, and advantageous marriages.
The heavy cultural influences found in this story are also visible in the art, decor, and dress of this period. Opulence, status and rank, fascination with mystery, and the need to present oneself as wealthy
were all important factors of the artworks found in a typical home of the nobility of England during the early 19th century. View the gallery below to see some examples of the artwork and interior pieces
that fascinated the gentry of that time.
