1830 Tono Maria

19th-Century Pink Floral Cotton Print – Miss Virginia Brush Scrapbook

This delicate pink cotton print originates from the Scrapbook of Textile Swatches compiled by Miss Virginia Brush in the 19th century. The design features softly shaded floral forms in rose and raspberry tones, arranged across a pale ground with tiny dotted blossoms.

The effect is light, feminine, and perfectly suited for early Victorian accessories, dresses, or delicate interiors. Its watercolor-like texture recalls the refined calico prints of the 1830s–1850s.

Printed on fine cotton, ideal for historical reproduction garments or modern romantic projects.

Tono Maria was a South American woman who was displayed at freak shows in London during the early 19th century. She was an Aimoré woman who was born in the Minas Gerais region of Brazil and eventually moved to London at some point in her life. Marketed as the “Venus of South America”, Maria was displayed on numerous freak shows throughout the city, where her body scars (which were claimed to signify a sexual transgression she had committed), large figure, lip and ear plugs became objects of fascination for numerous spectators who viewed her.