I think the bodice is split all the way down and then might up the front with a hidden set of lacing strips and then hooks closed. The lacing strips would take the strain of the gown being closed and the hooks and eyes would hold it shut.
Or if you use just hooks and eyes the large coat sized ones should hold together well. I have yet to make that style of gown, but I used them on a doublet without too many gapping issues.
Few other paintings in the same timeframe/similar style
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timeasmymeasure
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Date: 2010-08-29 06:54 pm (UTC)Or if you use just hooks and eyes the large coat sized ones should hold together well. I have yet to make that style of gown, but I used them on a doublet without too many gapping issues.
Few other paintings in the same timeframe/similar style
http://www.flickr.com/photos/60861613@N00/3931699170/sizes/o/in/photostream/
http://www.elizabethan-portraits.com/Elizabeth124.jpg
http://www.elizabethan-portraits.com/Elizabeth1.jpg
Hard to tell on this one but might be front opening bodice
http://www.elizabethan-portraits.com/Elizabeth20.jpg