Maria Coventry, Countess of Coventry was a famous Irish beauty and London society hostess during the reign of King George II.
She died at a young age (27) from lead and mercury poisoning, killed by the toxins used in her makeup.
She died at a young age (27) from lead and mercury poisoning, killed by the toxins used in her makeup.
Throughout the 17th and 18th centuries, it was fashionable for ladies to have pale white skin and red rouged cheeks. To achieve this look, lead-based Venetian ceruse was often used.
The noxious effects of lead caused skin eruptions...
The noxious effects of lead caused skin eruptions...
... which then encouraged ladies to apply more ceruse to cover the blemishes, eventually causing blood poisoning.
Maria eventually became known in society circles as a "victim of cosmetics". Her face was eaten away by acid.
t.ly/SdG09
Maria eventually became known in society circles as a "victim of cosmetics". Her face was eaten away by acid.
t.ly/SdG09
The mirror which belonged to Maria was auctioned off for more than £300,000 in 2021.
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