Pair of gloves with radiating cords c. 1915 - 1950

This pair of gloves with radiating cords was likely made in the Netherlands by Maison de Bonneterie. We can interpret these gloves as a signifier of class and status in Dutch society. Considered alongside the social and economic history of the time, the gloves tell us about the fashion trends, consumer culture, and class distinctions of the period. Gloves like these were often worn by affluent members of society as status symbols and fashion accessories. They reflect the prevailing tastes and norms of the time, in which clothing and accessories played an important role in signaling wealth and social standing. By examining historical records such as fashion magazines, advertisements, and personal correspondence, we gain a deeper understanding of the cultural significance of these gloves and their place within the broader social fabric of the Netherlands. The meaning of art is always contingent on its social and institutional context.