| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | DIGIT.EN.S |
| Subtitle of host publication | The Digital Encyclopedia of British Sociability in the Long Eighteenth Century |
| Publication status | Published - 23 Mar 2022 |
Abstract
Buckles were used to fasten shoes in the eighteenth century, as well as other articles of clothing such as breeches and hats. Because they were small, metallic and detachable, they offered opportunities for decoration and the ostentatious display of wealth. The finest buckles were adorned with diamonds, which glistened in the candlelight and made a big impression at sociable events such as balls, where they highlighted the movements of the dancing body. It was also possible to achieve this look on the cheap, however, so they became the focus of anxieties about the social order.