This paper explores the cultural romanticization of tuberculosis during the 18th and 19th centuries, particularly in relation to Western beauty standards, gender norms, and artistic ideals. Though tuberculosis remains the deadliest infectious disease globally, its 19th-century legacy is entwined with a fascination for the “beautiful death.” In the Romantic era, symptoms of the disease—such as pale skin, flushed cheeks, and emaciation—were idealized in art and literature, reinforcing notions of feminine fragility and emotional sensitivity. Writers and artists, including the Brontë sisters, Lord Byron, and Elizabeth Siddal, became central to this consumptive aesthetic. Misunderstandings about heredity and constitution contributed to the belief that tuberculosis afflicted the artistically inclined. Fashion, medical theory, and class distinctions further shaped public perceptions. As scientific advancements revealed its bacterial cause, the mystique of consumption faded. This paper examines how tuberculosis became a symbol of tragic beauty, illustrating the intersection of illness, gender, and aesthetic values in Victorian society.

This project was completed in Winter of 2025 as a final project for HUM 490: Introduction to Archival Research. The research was conducted over the course of two weeks in London, England. I primarily used the British Library and the Wellcome Collection to consult sources.