Mittens

Art Historical Context

Step into the elegant world of 1870s American fashion with *Mittens*, a delicate pair crafted from luxurious silk by an unknown artist. Dating to 1870–75, these mittens hail from the Costume Institute at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, part of the Brooklyn Museum Costume Collection gifted in 2009. In an era of post-Civil War prosperity and Victorian refinement, silk was a prized material symbolizing wealth and sophistication, often imported and handworked into accessories that complemented day dresses or evening gloves. Mittens like these offered practical yet stylish coverage for the hands, extending just past the knuckles to allow finger mobility while maintaining modesty—a key tenet of 19th-century women's attire. Their American origin reflects the growing domestic textile industry, blending European influences with local ingenuity. Though techniques aren't detailed, the choice of silk suggests fine weaving and possible embellishments, highlighting the artistry in everyday wear. Displayed today, *Mittens* invites us to appreciate how fashion encapsulated social norms and personal expression. A small treasure from a bygone age, it reminds visitors of the quiet elegance that defined American style during a transformative decade.