Pair of Shoes
England (Lambeth), about 1720
Tin-glazed earthenware (delft)
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. George SteinerWell-Heeled Accession
This whimsical pair of high-heeled shoes, with their pointed toes and elaborate molded buckles, imitates the fashionable footwear of early 18th-century England. The floral decoration has been inspired by the costly embroidered shoes that were popular with ladies of wealth and leisure. Although a matching pair of shoes such as this is very rare, a number of single ceramic shoes did survive, and dated examples, some with initials, range form 1654 until 1759. The earliest styles have a bow in the front, an extended flaring tongue and a lower heel. This type of shoe, with a buckle, a smaller tongue and a higher heel, became popular around 1770. It probably reflects the influence of the France's King Louis XIV who, being short in stature, donned higher heels so that he would appear more imposing.The function of these delightful objects is something of a mystery. They may have been made as tokens of affection to hold small flowers, such as bunches of violets. There is also some evidence that they served as good luck charms or talismans, as shoes have been often found hidden in the chimneys of 17th-century houses or in other locations normally accessible only during construction. Whatever their original meaning and function, this charming pair of shoes will doubtlessly delight museum visitors for years to come.The ceramic art shown here and on p. 8 can be viewed in gallery 310 and in the Queen Anne period room.