Pair of gloves

Unknown

early 17th century · Leather, silk and metal thread · European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

“Some carry in their hands feather fans, others nothing; but all wear very costly gloves,” noted an Italian visitor to London in summer 1618. Indeed, by the early seventeenth century, small goods could be purchased from shops or peddlers, making objects such as readymade gloves, purses, ribbons, caps, and trimmings available to consumers. “This fashion of gloves is so universal,” the visitor continued, “that even the porters wear them very ostentatiously.” These tapestry-woven, light colored gloves, which showcase an arrangement of popular flowers—carnations, roses, harebells, pansies, and strawberry plants—were likely purchased from a shop, rather than designed for an individual. Although readymade, the gloves were still a luxury; this pair comprises pink, green, citron, and blue silks joined with salmon-colored silk ribbon, lined in taffeta, and edged with metallic bobbin lace and paillettes. They may originally have been perfumed, as well. -Sarah Bochicchio, 2020

Artist

Unknown

Date

early 17th century

Medium

Leather, silk and metal thread

Culture

British

Department

European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

Credit line

Gift of Mrs. Edward S. Harkness, 1928