ABSTRACT
This very rare garment known as a ‘pair of bodies’ or a corset is held at the Bayerisches Nationalmuseum, Munich, Germany. The corset is dated 1598, was originally worn by Pfalzrofin Dorothea Sabina von Newburg and was recovered from her tomb at Lavingen. It is made from fine corded silk and is hand stitched throughout. The original colour of the garment is thought to have been ivory but has now discoloured to a yellow beige. The garment is extremely fragile and the original lining and interlining along with the whalebone and other stiffening have not survived. This corset is thought to be the earliest surviving garment of its type and is now so fragile that it can no longer be displayed at the museum.
