Corset

Dr. Warner's

1889–91 · cotton, metal, bone · Costume Institute

The corset was deemed necessary for shaping the body into a fashionable silhouette, and among many more constricting designs, it is interesting to see an example of what was considered a healthful option. This corset by Dr. Warner's includes cords rather than the traditional bones to give structure, straps for extra support and aeration holes over the fully covered bust. Although to modern standards this still seems restrictive, for the period it was very advanced and in a sense, freeing.

Artist

Dr. Warner's

Date

1889–91

Medium

cotton, metal, bone

Culture

American

Department

Costume Institute

Credit line

Brooklyn Museum Costume Collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Gift of the Brooklyn Museum, 2009; Gift of Mary Saunders, 1938