Boots

Unknown

1790–1820 · leather · Costume Institute

These unusual boots present a bit of a mystery. The general construction and appearance resembles shoes of the early 1800s. Although the size suggests they were made for a man, the elongated point toe was stylish for women in the period 1795-1810 but extremely unusual for menswear. Additionally, the side lacing was very uncommon until 1830, and the leather thong shoelace, cut in a curve, is also peculiar. This combination of features suggests that the shoes were made for some context outside of fashionable wear, perhaps as a local peculiarity or as a fancy dress costume.

Artist

Unknown

Date

1790–1820

Medium

leather

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. Clarence R. Hyde, 1928