Shoes

Unknown

1832–33 · leather · Costume Institute

While we currently think of white and pale pastel colors as suitable for babies, in the earlier part of the 19th century, bright colors were not uncommon. The attractive deep pink and brown combination seen in this pair of infant's shoes is documented by many surviving examples. Family history records that these shoes (and a dress also donated to the museum) were worn in a portrait of a female ancestor of the donor. This is an interesting anachronism, because until the 20th century, pink was considered a "strong" color more suitable for baby boys than girls. An additional feature of note on these shoes is the attractive serrated tongue, a detail which is not always seen.

Artist

Unknown

Date

1832–33

Medium

leather

Culture

American

Department

Costume Institute

Credit line

Brooklyn Museum Costume Collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Gift of the Brooklyn Museum, 2009; Gift of Anna M. Everitt, 1931