Mitts

Art Historical Context

Step into the refined world of early 19-century American fashion with *Mitts*, a delicate pair of hand coverings from an unknown artist. Dating to the early 1800s, these accessories hail from the Costume Institute at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, they were generously gifted by Mrs. George Nichols in1964. As part of American material culture, mitts like these were essential wardrobe pieces, offering a blend of practicality and elegance for women navigating the era's social scenes. In the post-Revolutionary United States, fashion drew inspiration from European trends while embracing a growing sense of national identity. Mitts, which typically covered the hand while leaving fingers free, complemented the short puffed sleeves of Empire-style dresses popular at the time. They protected delicate skin from the sun or chill during outdoor promenades, carriage rides, or evening gatherings, reflecting the period's emphasis on modesty, grace, and subtle adornment. Housed in the Met's renowned Costume Institute, these mitts preserve a tangible slice of everyday American life, highlighting how clothing encoded social norms and personal style. Though details of their creation remain mysterious, they invite us to imagine the hands that once wore them—perhaps a young woman at a country dance or a matron hosting afternoon tea—bridging us to a transformative chapter in U.S. history.