In 1881, Belle Worsham commissioned a magic space from leading New York City decorator George Schastey. With erotic symbols on all its surfaces, this room—now part of The Met collection—launched the most successful sexual career of the Gilded Age. Belle turned herself into one of the richest women in America, and a magnificent collector. At last, her whole scandalous story can be told.
This program is presented in conjunction with Artistic Furniture of the Gilded Age: Worsham-Rockefeller Dressing Room.
Recorded February 18, 2016
