Corset X-Rays from 1908

Stunning X-Ray images of corsets from 1908 by Dr. Ludovic O’Followell, via hypnerotomachi(n)a and billie jane. Many more images from the book (some NSWF) can be found at the Wikimedia Commons. Could this have been the inspiration for Helmut Newton’s gorgeous X-ray fashion photography from the late 70s?

8 Responses to “Corset X-Rays from 1908”

  1. The Corset: A Warning From The Past | Broadsheet.ie Says:

    […] Coilhouse […]

  2. Tracie Says:

    Stunning is an apt descriptor for these!

    They remind me also of Man Ray’s rayographs, different process, similar shadowy depth and detail.

  3. Arthur Doohan Says:

    These are NOT Xrays, they are not ever prints of Xrays. They are pretty and interesting and stimulating. But they are not Xrays.

    They are more likely Xrays of female torsos with the ‘corsets’ painted on afterwards.

  4. luminarious Says:

    Since the corsets of olden days had often bone and metal pieces in them, it’s quite likely they’re real X-rays.

  5. anon Says:

    These are beautiful.

  6. asha beta Says:

    love!

  7. jont Says:

    Perhaps Helmut Newton may have come across Meret Oppenheim’s work. http://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/1209915

    Or perhaps all involved, entirely unconnected to each other aquired an X ray and thought “you know what I’m going to do with this…?”

  8. CGB Says:

    So….there’s metal in the upper and lower binding? That’s what this “x-ray” shows. Agree with Arthur Doohan. This corset was drawn on an x-ray film. I’m wondering, too, if the x-ray is real…those ribs look pretty far apart. Just sayin’….