1857-8 Front of bodice worn during Orsini's attack (Château de Compiègne)
This image shows an evening bodice worn by Empress Eugénie with lace bertha and engageantes.
Felice Orsini attempted to kill Napoleon III and Empress Eugénie while they were riding in their coach to an opera performance. In a style reminiscent of Al Qeda bombers in Iraq, he killed eight and wounded 142. The Emperor and Empress were unharmed and made it to the show as a political gesture. Wikipedia's article about Orsini's attack is here.
Photo credit - René-Gabriel Ojéda.
Keywords: 1857, Ojéda, Empress Eugénie, Empress, Bonaparte family, French, off shoulder vee neckline, pleated bodice, ruffles, engageantes, lace, quarter length sleeves, deep vee waistline