Busk

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

This busk was made for Anne-Marie-Louise d'Orléans (1627-93), Duchesse de Montpensier, daughter of Gaston d'Orléans. On the front, the arms of the Duchesse d'Orléans with fleur-de-lis and crown are accompanied by the text: "How I envy you the happiness that is yours, resting softly on her ivory white breast. Let us divide between us, if you please, this glory. You will be there the day and I shall be there the night." At the portrait head of a woman, the text reads, "Whether I live or die, I want my heart to be thine." On the back, the text accompanying clasped hands reads, "Faithfulness is above all." At the portrait of a man, the text reads, "My eyes to everyone; my heart to you."

The Costume Institute

An exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art

The Costume Institute's collection of more than thirty-three thousand objects represents seven centuries of fashionable dress and accessories for men, women, and children, from the fifteenth century to the present.

Metropolitan Museum of Art