Victorian advertisements were a reflection of the values and norms of the time, and as such, there were certain things that were deemed inappropriate or taboo to show in these ads. One of the main things that Victorian advertisements could not show was any hint of impropriety or indecency.

For example, advertisements could not show any nudity or suggestiveness, as this would have been seen as scandalous and offensive to the Victorian sensibilities. This meant that even products that we might consider perfectly innocent today, such as corsets or undergarments, had to be advertised in a very conservative and discreet manner.

Victorian advertisements also could not show any hint of violence or gore. This meant that products such as medicines or cleaning supplies, which today might be advertised with graphic images of their effectiveness, had to be marketed in a much more subtle and restrained way.

Additionally, Victorian advertisements could not show any kind of social or economic inequality. This meant that advertisements had to portray a very idealized version of society, where everyone was happy, healthy, and prosperous. This often led to advertisements that were very unrealistic and disconnected from the actual lives of the people they were targeting.

Another thing that Victorian advertisements could not show was any kind of dissent or subversion. This meant that ads had to toe the line and conform to the prevailing social and political norms of the time. Any hint of rebellion or non-conformity would have been seen as dangerous and subversive, and would have likely been censored or banned.

In conclusion, Victorian advertisements were subject to a strict set of rules and guidelines that dictated what could and could not be shown. These restrictions meant that ads from this time period often feel very different from the more modern and free-wheeling advertisements that we are used to today.

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