Bodice

Art Historical Context

Step into the opulent world of 18th-century fashion with this *Bodice*, a testament to the era's masterful blend of elegance and engineering. Crafted from luxurious silk and reinforced with steel, this garment from the Costume Institute exemplifies the structured silhouettes that defined women's attire during the Enlightenment period. The silk provided a shimmering, tactile surface ideal for lavish social occasions, while the steel boning—likely inserted as stays—created the coveted conical torso shape, offering both support and a dramatic hourglass form. Dating to the 18th century and attrib...