17th Century

This mid-17th century Dutch portrait shows an unidentified gentleman on horseback in hunting dress, with two gamekeepers and their dogs at his side. Once mistaken for a portrait of a Dutch prince, the sitter and painter remain unknown to this day. The rider's soft, flare-topped riding boots — the defining cavalier silhouette of the era — are the inspiration behind this design.

A Baroque military portrait shows a commander in black armor and red silk breeches, sword at his side, standing before a stormy landscape. Attributed to Florentine painter Carlo Dolci, better known for religious works, it's a striking example of 17th-century military dress — the source for this boot's spur and wrapped ankle strap. Museum or collection: Collection unconfirmed

This standing portrait shows Charles I in a gold-and-brown slashed doublet, cane in hand, before a red curtain and balcony view. Several period copies of this composition exist from Mytens's studio, which produced numerous full-length portraits of the King following his accession. The tan leather boots and quiet, dignified pose reflect Stuart court fashion of the period.

This portrait shows a young child dressed in miniature cavalier costume — plumed hat, oversized sword, and buckled shoes — a popular convention in period portraiture where children were painted in scaled-down adult court dress. The prominent gold buckle shoes seen here echo the same silhouette that became iconic Colonial and Puritan footwear in the following century.