Gardens of Versailles Corset

Gardens of Versailles Corset

2013

28cm x 20cm x 38cm

Copper, brass black patina, soot patina, ribbon

The corset represents the detail and beauty of nature at the gardens of Versailles. In particular the roses, for which Versailles was well known, are shown in prominent detail in the form of a sweetheart neckline. The boning of the corset shows the hand sawed floral decorations associated with the Rococo art movement. The rigidness of the corset in its metal form acts as a cage, showing the constriction and confinement of both a woman's body and social standing. This subjective view existed to please men, as women were seen as attractive looking objects, like the gardens themselves.