Evening boots

Unknown

1860–69 · silk · Costume Institute

In an effort to protect their modesty and sense of decorum, proper ladies of the mid-19th century wore ankle boots when venturing out in public, even for evening events. This typical pair of 1860s boots for evening or carriage wear displays especially refined curved lines at the ankle and top edge. The large rosette adds texture and interest to the otherwise undecorated surface. The front lace was predominant in the 1860s, but was superseded by button closures in the 1870s.

Artist

Unknown

Date

1860–69

Medium

silk

Culture

French

Department

Costume Institute

Credit line

Brooklyn Museum Costume Collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Gift of the Brooklyn Museum, 2009; Gift of Mrs. G. Brinton Roberts, 1946