Mannequins may be traced to as early as 1350 BC, based on the discovery of a wooden torso near the clothing chest in King Tutankhamen's tomb.  Regardless of the changing role and style, mannequins have generally been used for the display of clothing.  The current usage seems to date from the latter half of the nineteenth century, when plate glass windows and artificial lighting became more prevalent in retail establishments and the rise of the modern department store began.  The 1930s saw the rise of "realism" in mannequins and the creation of Cynthia in New York, a mannequin inspired by contemporary wealthy socialites.  Many are featured in my book Mannequins and available on amazon.com or directly from Schiffer Books.   Click on the image at left or Mannequin Gallery to see a sampling.   Click on the Mannequins  book cover at right to learn more about the book.
















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