Though it was intended as titillation (the dark powder poured on the model, to stand in for water, is an interesting approach to special effects), the short is a very clear view of the authentic silhouette of the period, and its components. Recreations of late Victorian style are generally unrecognizeable in film and television productions; the real layers are almost clunky and awkward (as in the garters running over a bunched-up petticoat). Certainly not the candlelit silk jacquards and sumptuous skirts under perfect nipped waists and absolutely shaved ... everything ... we often see presented as "historic" costuming today.
As a disclaimer, there is brief footage of the woman entirely nude (no frontal, if that arbitrary distinction is particularly offensive to anyone). By contemporary standards, it was highly shocking stuff, but the clip today is passable as academic and in no way pornographic.
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