“The Staymaker,” created by William Hogarth circa 1744, is an oil on canvas painting that measures 70 by 91.5 centimeters. Belonging to the Rococo art movement, this genre painting is currently housed in the Tate Modern in London, UK.
The artwork presents a bustling domestic scene, with a primary focus on a woman being fitted into a corset by a staymaker. The composition is rich with narrative details, depicting other figures in the room engaged in everyday activities. On the left, the staymaker meticulously adjusts the woman’s corset while she stands with her arms raised. Attendants assist, holding a mirror to provide the woman with a view of her transformed silhouette. To the right, a group of women and children are occupied with various tasks, suggesting the domestic atmosphere of the setting. The room is characterized by muted, earthy colors that capture the modest decor typical of the period.
