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Tight-Lacing - Corsets
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Tight-Lacing - Corsets
Tight-Lacing - Corsets Date: 1888
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1888 Corset Corsets Doctor Unhealthy Waist
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Tight-Lacing - Corsets, 1888 This evocative photograph, taken in 1888, captures the essence of the corseted waistline that was all the rage during the late Victorian era. The image features a woman, her back to the camera, as she stands in front of a mirror, adjusting the laces of her corset. Her reflection in the mirror shows the dramatic contrast between her slender waist and full hips, a desirable silhouette at the time. The corset, a staple of women's fashion during the 1880s, was believed to enhance a woman's figure, accentuating her curves and creating an hourglass shape. However, the extreme tight-lacing depicted in this photograph was not without its health risks. Women who practiced tight-lacing could experience a range of health issues, from breathing difficulties and fainting to more serious conditions such as organ damage and even death. Despite these risks, the pursuit of the perfect figure was a popular obsession among women of the time. This photograph was likely published in a women's magazine, further propagating the ideal of the corseted waistline. The presence of a doctor in the room suggests that the practice of tight-lacing was not without its concerns, and that some women sought medical advice to ensure they were lacing their corsets safely. The photograph also offers a glimpse into the domestic sphere of the late Victorian era, with the woman's simple yet elegant attire and the presence of a mirror, suggesting a focus on personal appearance and self-presentation. The image invites us to reflect on the complex relationship between beauty, fashion, and health in the late 19th century, and the enduring impact of societal expectations on women's bodies.
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