Evening slippers

Hobbs

1845–65 · silk · Costume Institute

Ladies' shoes of the mid 19th century are often very plain, as the long skirts of the period seldom afforded much attention to the details of the feet. Trim, if any, tended to be focused at the toe, which might have occasion to peek out beneath the hem. The fringe trim on this pair of slippers is thus somewhat unusual. Likewise, the toe seen here is more rounded that one typically finds. Also of interest is the particularly large and prominent label adhered to the lining, featuring an elaborate regal crest and attesting to the maker's royal patronage.

Artist

Hobbs

Date

1845–65

Medium

silk

Culture

British

Department

Costume Institute

Credit line

Brooklyn Museum Costume Collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Gift of the Brooklyn Museum, 2009; Gift of Mrs. James Dowd Lester, 1942