Matrimony during the Gilded Era
In the opulent era of the Gilded Age, marriages were often seen as more than just unions of love. They were business transactions, strategic alliances between wealthy families seeking to secure their social and financial standing.
One such instance was the marriage of Consuelo Vanderbilt to the Duke of Marlborough. Despite the union, Consuelo's life was far from happy. However, she used her position as a duchess to bring about positive changes for the less fortunate.
On the other hand, the marriage of Gertrude Vanderbilt and Harry Payne Whitney was initially willing but was affected by Whitney's infidelities. Gertrude, however, found success in her own right, becoming an acclaimed sculptor and establishing the Whitney Museum of American Art.
Newton Phelps Stokes and Edith Phelps Stokes, who grew up together on Staten Island, were an exception to the rule of marrying within established circles. They remained safely within their social class, choosing to marry in their late twenties, which was unusual for the times. Their marriage was marked by dedication and tireless efforts to help New York's poor.
John Singer Sargent's portrait of the couple shows Edith as the central focus, with Newton nearly blending into the background, reflecting the dynamics of their relationship.
The Four Hundred, a prominent social group of the Gilded Age, sought to own the largest, most ornate and modern houses, the most luxurious yachts, and spent thousands on fashionable clothing. Many marriages of convenience were made in Newport, RI, where the Four Hundred displayed their wealth extravagantly.
Contrary to the norm, Cornelius Vanderbilt III married against his parents' wishes, causing a rift in the family. His marriage to Grace Wilson was unhappy due to their differing personalities.
Interestingly, there are no records of Gertrude's spouses, Neily, whose marriage was based on love, and who later made Gertrude a recognized sculptor and art world leader.
The Duke of Marlborough was the exception to the rule of marrying within the same social strata. He would have considered Consuelo Vanderbilt beneath him. However, Newton Phelps Stokes respected and admired Edith Phelps Stokes' outgoing, independent nature.
Edith Phelps Stokes, like Consuelo Vanderbilt, valued a life of service for the betterment of society. Despite the extravagance and strategic marriages of the Gilded Age, these women used their positions to make a positive impact, leaving a lasting legacy.
