Hmm, lacing on the side is definitely plausible, and would pretty much be hidden by the veil/sleeves - as it is in the picture!
And I think that second thought of yours, about the possible fabric fold, is actually really interesting; I'd never though of something like that! I'd like to see that experimented with in an actual costume and see how it works. (So, you know, that's an open invitation to either of us to do so, with our copious spare time and money!)
And I have one more painting to inflict on you (this time I actually went and LOOKED in the folder labeled '16th century' to make sure there isn't anything else relevant!) - http://pics.livejournal.com/mandie_rw/pic/0008c3g6
(Disclaimer: not my own idea, I read it somewhere on somebody's site, damned if I know where, but...) If you look very closely at the bodice of Jane Seymour's gown, on the right side, you can see little tiny dots, running down the bodice in a line. The idea has been put forth (again, not by me) that those could be the heads of pins, holding a stomacher-type thing in place over lacing. I've never seen them on any other portrait, but it could be like what you said - artists often left out itsy-bitsy details, like fastenings, to make the portrait neater.
Seems to be an intriguing thought as well, and I certainly have no other suggestions as to what the weird little dots could be.
no subject
And I think that second thought of yours, about the possible fabric fold, is actually really interesting; I'd never though of something like that! I'd like to see that experimented with in an actual costume and see how it works. (So, you know, that's an open invitation to either of us to do so, with our copious spare time and money!)
And I have one more painting to inflict on you (this time I actually went and LOOKED in the folder labeled '16th century' to make sure there isn't anything else relevant!) - http://pics.livejournal.com/mandie_rw/pic/0008c3g6
(Disclaimer: not my own idea, I read it somewhere on somebody's site, damned if I know where, but...) If you look very closely at the bodice of Jane Seymour's gown, on the right side, you can see little tiny dots, running down the bodice in a line. The idea has been put forth (again, not by me) that those could be the heads of pins, holding a stomacher-type thing in place over lacing. I've never seen them on any other portrait, but it could be like what you said - artists often left out itsy-bitsy details, like fastenings, to make the portrait neater.
Seems to be an intriguing thought as well, and I certainly have no other suggestions as to what the weird little dots could be.