This shoe is made of lavender-coloured kid, with slashes of white satin “let in” in front, forming a pattern narrow at the toe, and widening towards the instep. The bottom of the heel is in the form of a heart, which peculiarity cannot be observed in the illustration, though perfectly apparent in the original. It belonged to Lilias, daughter of the 12th Earl of Eglinton, and was worn by her at her marriage about the middle of the eighteenth century. The height of the heel is what is worn at present, but the toe is pointed, and filled up for half an inch with wadding.
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.