Evening slippers 1830s

This evening slipper, probably from the 19th century, uses materials and techniques rooted in the everyday. The construction consists of cut and stitched silk velvet, likely over a leather sole, and is adorned with a simple silk ribbon. What makes this humble shoe interesting is its social significance. The plush velvet speaks to a life of leisure, a deliberate contrast to the bare feet or sturdy work boots of the laboring class. The velvet's soft texture and deep color are purely for aesthetic pleasure, designed to be seen and admired in the domestic sphere. Consider the labor involved, from cultivating silkworms to weaving the fabric, to the handwork of cutting and stitching. All this just to create a slipper to be worn indoors, purely for show! By paying attention to the materials and the making of such an object, we start to see how even the simplest things can reflect larger social and economic realities.