Mitts

Art Historical Context

Step into the elegant world of mid-19th-century American with *Mitts*, a delicate pair crafted by an unknown artist between 1860 and 1879. Housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume, these mitts exemplify everyday accessories from a transformative era in U.S. history, spanning the Civil War and Reconstruction. As fingerless gloves, mitts both practical and stylish, allowing women freedom of movement for tasks like sewing or playing piano while shielding delicate hands from the elements or labor. In Victorian America, such items carried cultural weight as markers of refinement and social standing. Fashion during this period blended European influences with emerging American tastes, emphasizing modesty and femininity amid rapid industrialization and societal shifts. These mitts offer a tangible glimpse into women's daily lives, highlighting how clothing bridged utility and aspiration in a time of profound change. Generously donated in 1946 by Miss Mary Turlay Robinson, *Mitts* now preserves this slice of history for modern visitors, reminding us how personal adornments whisper stories of the past. A true treasure for fashion enthusiasts!