How delicious

Food in the 19th Century

            The 19th century was an era of Romanticism. It is, then, to be expected that the same sentiments were regarded towards food. Appeals to class, conformation of social norms, and consumerism are all elements of what was promoted by food companies. In this piece, Wringley Gum and Gantz, Jones, & Co will be examined to highlight these and other elements that compose the Romantic Era of the 19th Century.

            The Wrigley Gum Brand, for instance, had an ad campaign that solicited a very fancily dressed woman on a poster. She was illuminated with a sophisticated nature about her—her dress, mannerism, expression. All of these designed and orchestrated details go to form a picture of the high class. In this way, Wrigley is adding to the notion that one should desire to be a part of that demographic—both an appeal to social norms and consumerism. In addition to the woman, the idea of value was another point of emphasis. Wrigley sought after linking their product to the concept of gifts and value deals. Hence, the promo offer details on the other side of the poster. The promise of buying in bulk and receiving a prize for your purchase were meant to entice, the opposing side of, the buyer.

            Gantz, Jones, & Co had a different target demographic than Wrigley. Where Wrigley was advertising to a group of consumers that could afford small commodities like gum, Gantz, Jones, & Co was selling to a consumer focused on the essentials—bread, biscuits, etc. With their audience in mind, Gantz, Jones, & Co went with a simplistic campaign. Their imagery features a little boy (with a caption of, “Would go fifty miles to get it”) and a little girl (with a caption of, “Brings health & comfort”), both dressed pleasantly. The image is both clear and concise. The previously mentioned captions capitalizes on a calming blue text. In addition to the cool color the caption alludes to both class and social norms. To begin, “would go fifty miles to get it,” gives an impression of desperation (one that’s highly contrasting to the impression of the image). Also, because the target demographic of Gantz, Jones, & Co was the working class there was a big importance on attendance at work. You have to be there to earn a pay check. Therefore, the promise of “health & comfort” is great for its consumer

            The world of Food in the 19th century had many parallels to the culture of the times, the Romantic Era. Therefore, class, social norms, and consumerism are all reflected in their advertisement (as represented by Wrigley Gum Brand and Gantz, Jones, & Co).