Museum Collections
Luce Center
Mourning corset
Object Number:
1936.512
Date:
ca. 1863
Medium:
Velvet, silk
Dimensions:
Overall: 10 1/2 x 11 1/2 in. ( 26.7 x 29.2 cm )
Part (bust): 23 in. (58.4 cm)
Description:
Black velvet corset-style boned bodice with low round off-the-shoulder neckline; high waistline to lowered pointed "V" at center front; constructed of hand-stitching; trimmed with pink satin binding around armholes neckline, waistline and princess seamlines; dark pink satin laces criss-cross at center back closure; stitched eyelets for lacing at center front closure.
Gallery Label:
This corset was worn by Mrs. Benjamin Ogden White (1841-1883) of 23 Washington Square North during a period of mourning in 1863. She may have been mourning a family member killed in battle during the Civil War.
Credit Line:
Gift of Miss Edith Hamilton White
Due to ongoing research, information about this object is subject to change.