Gloves
Unknown Artist
early 18th century
Medium
Leather, silk
Classification
Gloves
Culture
probably Spanish
Department
Costume Institute
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Brooklyn Museum Costume Collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Gift of the Brooklyn Museum, 2009; Museum Expedition 1923, Purchased with funds given by Frederic B. Pratt and Frank L. Babbott
Accession Number
2009.300.6121a, b
Art Historical Context
These elegant gloves, crafted in the early 18th century from supple leather and luxurious silk, offer a glimpse into the refined world of European fashion during the Baroque era. Likely of Spanish origin, they exemplify the period's emphasis on opulent accessories that signified social status and sophistication. Worn by the elite for formal occasions, balls, or courtly events, such gloves were essential for both men and women, protecting delicate hands while showcasing wealth through fine materials. The combination of durable leather for structure and shimmering silk for visual appeal highlig...