Pair of Shoes thumbnail 1
Pair of Shoes thumbnail 2
+4
images
On display
Image of Gallery in South Kensington

This object consists of 2 parts, some of which may be located elsewhere.

Pair of Shoes

ca. 1710 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

Object Type
This shoe illustrates the gradual changes in the style of women's footwear in the early 18th century. The square toe characteristic of the 1670s had evolved into a pointed toe by 1710. In the late 17th century the sides of the shoe were open, but they were closed by the beginning of the 18th. However, the distinctive white rand (the narrow band of white kid around the edge of the sole) characteristic of the late 17th century remains.

Materials & Making
The upper of this shoe is composed of green silk, which envelops the heel as well. The shoe is lined with white leather and beige silk. A narrow braid of green silk covers the upper in parallel lines. The decoration is very similar to a shoe in the V&A made in the 1670s. However, the design here is more rectilinear and geometric.

Object details

Categories
Object type
Parts
This object consists of 2 parts.

  • Shoe
  • Shoe
Materials and techniques
Leather sole, covered wooden heel, and satin trimmed with silk braid
Brief description
Woman's shoe
Physical description
Satin shoe with silk braid, leather sole
Dimensions
  • Height: 13.5cm
  • Width: 24.2cm
  • Depth: 8cm
Dimensions checked: Measured; 27/07/2000 by KB see diagram for clarification of W, H, D
Gallery label
(27/03/2003)
British Galleries:
THREE SHOES

In the 17th century all shoes were 'straights', not shaped for the left or right foot. Fashionable men and women wore moderately high heels indoors. Rich silks and velvets were decorated with exquisite embroidery or braids and fastened with ribbons. French styles were popular after 1660, like the squared toe. Later, a long, pointed shape with closed sides became fashionable, like that of the green shoe.
Credit line
Given by Alfred Reynolds
Object history
Made in England
Summary
Object Type
This shoe illustrates the gradual changes in the style of women's footwear in the early 18th century. The square toe characteristic of the 1670s had evolved into a pointed toe by 1710. In the late 17th century the sides of the shoe were open, but they were closed by the beginning of the 18th. However, the distinctive white rand (the narrow band of white kid around the edge of the sole) characteristic of the late 17th century remains.

Materials & Making
The upper of this shoe is composed of green silk, which envelops the heel as well. The shoe is lined with white leather and beige silk. A narrow braid of green silk covers the upper in parallel lines. The decoration is very similar to a shoe in the V&A made in the 1670s. However, the design here is more rectilinear and geometric.
Collection
Accession number
T.53&A-1940

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Record createdMarch 27, 2003
Record URL
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