Shoes

1869

Not on view

Throughout the history of Western fashion, the most common choice of babies' footwear has been booties, as they provide superior warmth and comfort for the foot and stay on better than open shoes. Fashion, however, has repeatedly offered alternatives to this most practicable style. This pristine pair of dressy infant's shoes is designed in the more mature style of the bar or strap shoe, which would later become immortalized as the Mary Jane style. The copious lace and ribbon trimming is a particularly appealing element which adds interest and serves to highlight the precious and delicate nature of the baby herself.

Artwork Details

Object Information

Overview

Title: Shoes
Date: 1869
Culture: American
Medium: silk, linen, leather
Credit Line: Brooklyn Museum Costume Collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Gift of the Brooklyn Museum, 2009; Gift of Mrs. Samuel Riker, 1965
Object Number: 2009.300.2044a, b
Curatorial Department: The Costume Institute

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