Pair of Shoes
ca.1820 (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
From the 1790s simple flat slippers or 'sandal shoes' were the popular choice for ladies of fashion. In a move away from what were thought to be the excesses of pre-revolutionary France, designers looked to classical antiquity for inspiration. At first women's shoes had pointed toes and curved throats with ribbons that tied round the ankle. By the 1820s the square toe and throat had taken over.
The overall style and shape of the shoe was very plain but they could be produced in a multitude of bright colours, like this red pair, to suit every occasion and ensemble. The addition of elaborate rosettes or other decorative embellishments allowed the wearer to personalise what was a very common style of shoe.
The overall style and shape of the shoe was very plain but they could be produced in a multitude of bright colours, like this red pair, to suit every occasion and ensemble. The addition of elaborate rosettes or other decorative embellishments allowed the wearer to personalise what was a very common style of shoe.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Parts | This object consists of 2 parts.
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| Materials and techniques | Silk satin with silk, leather and cotton |
| Brief description | Pair of ladies shoes of satin, silk and leather, France, ca.1820. |
| Physical description | Red satin slipper with square toe and throat, flat sole and red silk rosette decoration; dark green cotton string tie at throat; brown leather sole tapering at waist, cream leather insole, white cotton lining. |
| Dimensions |
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| Marks and inscriptions |
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| Credit line | Given by Lady Moorea Black |
| Summary | From the 1790s simple flat slippers or 'sandal shoes' were the popular choice for ladies of fashion. In a move away from what were thought to be the excesses of pre-revolutionary France, designers looked to classical antiquity for inspiration. At first women's shoes had pointed toes and curved throats with ribbons that tied round the ankle. By the 1820s the square toe and throat had taken over. The overall style and shape of the shoe was very plain but they could be produced in a multitude of bright colours, like this red pair, to suit every occasion and ensemble. The addition of elaborate rosettes or other decorative embellishments allowed the wearer to personalise what was a very common style of shoe. |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | T.273&A-1975 |
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| Record created | May 25, 2007 |
| Record URL |
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