Corsets...Instrument of Torture or Passport to Beauty?

Why did women squeeze themselves into steel or whalebone corsets for over 400 years?  Why did they choose to constrain their bodies with elaborate contraptions, ignoring comfort and inviting pain?  Why were women so eager to embrace the ideals of youth and beauty?  Were they foolish?  Vain?

Explore the fascinating and seductive world of corsetry on Thursday, November 9 with Lois Valeo.  She returns for another "Girls' Night Out" illustrated lecture featuring examples from the Museum's collection.  Bring your friends to enjoy a glass of wine at 6:30 and then adjourn to the Benjamin Lecture Hall at 7:00.

This promises to be an enlightened evening of controversy and fun as we examine the notorious corset!