Corset

Maison Léoty

1891 · silk · Costume Institute

In the eighteenth century, the corset imposed a more-or-less conical configuration to the upper torso. By the late nineteenth century, a more softly rounded female form was preferred. This extended even to the body in profile. The straight and rigid busks of the eighteenth century gave way to busks that not only curved into the waist but also rounded out over the belly.

Artist

Maison Léoty

Date

1891

Medium

silk

Culture

French

Department

Costume Institute

Credit line

Gift of Miss Marion Hague, 1945