Woman's Corset and Busk

Currently not on view

Woman's Corset and Busk

c. 1810-1840

Artist/maker unknown, American

By the early nineteenth century, stays, which were now also called corsets, had evolved dramatically in shape. This corset has large gussets to give fullness to the bust and hips in contrast to the waist, which is twenty-one inches edge to edge. Typically for this period, only the center back of this corset is boned; after it was put on, however, a thin wooden busk measuring eleven and one quarter inches by one inch slid into the front pocket to help keep the breasts apart.

Currently not on view

Object Details

Title:

Woman's Corset and Busk

Date:

c. 1810-1840

Artist:

Artist/maker unknown, American

Medium:

Cotton sateen, linen plain weave lining, cotton plain weave tape, baleen, handmade metal eyes, maple busk

Dimensions:

Center Front Length (Corset): 13 inches (33 cm) Waist (Corset): 19 inches (48.3 cm)

Classification:

Costume (including accessories)

Credit Line:

Gift of Edith Lawrence, 1973

Accession Number:

1973-273-4a,b

Geography:

Made in United States, North and Central America

We are always open to learning more about our collections and updating the website. Does this record contain inaccurate information or language that you feel we should improve or change? Contact us here.

Please note that this particular artwork might not be on view when you visit. Don’t worry—we have plenty of exhibitions for you to explore.

Currently not on view