Miss Langley, to whom this shoe belonged, lived in the reign of Charles II. Made of pale silk, most beautifully embroidered, the shoe may be considered as a chef-d’œuvre in shoe manufacture of the times; while the lace, of an intricate pattern and delicate as a spider’s web, is very old and of much value. It is ornamented on the instep by a single pearl, and its tout-ensemble is altogether pretty and graceful, and says much for the taste and dexterity of the shoemakers in the days of Charles II.
Ladies' old-fashioned shoes
About This Book
A curated illustrated survey of historical women's footwear that describes eleven preserved shoes from different centuries, noting materials, decoration, construction, and any known provenance. Each plate is accompanied by a descriptive note detailing colors, embroidery, buckles, heels, toe shapes, linings, and repairs, as well as occasional associations with named owners. A brief prefatory discussion emphasizes craftsmanship and preservation, and appendices document related museum holdings and exhibition appearances, providing comparative observations on shoe styles and antiquarian context.