Evening pumps

Unknown

1900 · leather, metal · Costume Institute

The basic pump form is energized in this pair of evening shoes from 1900 by its execution in an extremely flamboyant material, just coming into style at this period. The use of metallic leathers for footwear (aside from bronze) was quite uncommon before 1900, and was not widespread until the 1920s. The simple trim of two gold lamé ribbon bowknots adds a sense of finish, but one which is complimentary in its restraint.

Artist

Unknown

Date

1900

Medium

leather, metal

Culture

American

Department

Costume Institute

Credit line

Brooklyn Museum Costume Collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Gift of the Brooklyn Museum, 2009; Brooklyn Museum Collection