Lorgnette

Lorgnettes were made from a range of different materials including tortoise shell, horn, silver, gold, enamel, and various kinds of jewels.

[8] It was not common practice for women to use optical aids unless they were to partake in specific activities or tasks in which they were required to use them such as sewing or reading.

A large portion of the social life of European ladies involved the observation of the people around them, especially the attendance of others at events such as opera or theatre.

[10] The use of lorgnettes allowed women of high society to easily scrutinise objects of interest without directly facing their subject.

[11] Early versions of the lorgnette were focused on the practicality and functionality of the spectacles to the user due to their round rims and heavier, undecorated designs.

Lorgnettes were valued for features such as how they could easily be carried around at one's own discretion and how they could be quickly taken out and lifted into place on the face to swiftly observe or find answers to questions with grace.

[7] She is described to have been especially fond of a particular lorgnette that “springs out from a small tiger handle of gold, striped in black enamel, emerald-eyed”, designed by Cartier in Paris.

[7] In the oil on canvas portrait of Louise von Wertheimstein (Vienna 1813–1890), born Biedermann, she is seen to be holding a lorgnette in her right hand as she poses for her painting.

Donald Grant Mitchell wrote a series of satirical pamphlets titled The Lorgnette, or Studies of the Town in New York City published by bookseller Henry Kernot in the 1850s.