The Art of Seduction

In the days of luxury-loving Marie Antoinette, seduction revolved around seriously sexy decorative objects and accessories like daybeds, tea services and fans. Many of those objects and more than 30 elaborate 18th century costumes will be on display at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in “Dangerous Liaisons: Fashion and Furniture in the 18th Century” starting on April 29. The exhibition, curated by Harold Koda and Andrew Bolton, explores the interplay of dress and decorative arts in France from 1750 to 1789. It was inspired by Jean-François de Bastide, author of the erotic novella The Little House. He believed seriously expensive and elaborate furniture and clothing were not meant to be just aesthetic eye candy; they were also used as tools of seduction. Is the snuffbox the next must-have accessory? –A.G.