Too Much

[poliphilo]

Victorian art is copious. Victorian novels are huge, Victorian poems go on and on, Matthew Arnold feels the compulsion to stuff  the Scholar Gypsy (which has enough matter in it for a slim and delicate lyric) with every flower that ever grew in the English countryside, Victorian architecture is covered in ornament, Victorian painting is about defining every hair of a model's head, every thread in a garment, and Victorian stained glass is so full of carefully drawn detail it darkens the buildings it's supposed to light...

Comments

[resonant.livejournal.com]

Victorian manufactured goods are covered with fake acanthus leaves and ivy, until the decoration weighs more than the actual product.

[resonant.livejournal.com]

... although that was partially to hide seams, gaps, and imperfections from the manufacturing process. If you can't get two pieces of wood to line up, just cover it with carved flowers.

[poliphilo.livejournal.com]

Victorian furniture can be fun. I like some of it. The more eccentric the better.