Pair Of Ballroom Shoes From The Napoleon III Era
A splendid and rare pair of sky-blue (or confection-blue) silk satin ball or evening pumps, dating from the third quarter of the 19th century. These shoes embody the most refined aesthetic standards of the Second Empire: The inside of the leather lining bears a handwritten inscription from that era in fine ink "Mme Gardner". This practice was reserved for custom orders placed with leading Parisian or international luxury bootmakers for their aristocratic and bourgeois clientele. The pair also features explicit markings "Left" and "Right" on the inside. The introduction of anatomical differentiation during the Second Empire represented a major and luxurious technical innovation for the time, often indicated in this way by the shoemaker to guide his client. Condition: Presented in their original state as discovered, perfect for a cabinet of curiosities, a fashion museum, or a collector’s display case.
- The silhouette: An elegant, gently rounded square toe paired with a small, silk-covered spool heel, marking the grand return of the heel during the Second Empire following the trend for flat ballerina shoes.
- The ornamentation: The instep is richly adorned with a large, ceremonial “frou-frou” rosette. It consists of a rosette of gathered silk enclosing a delicate cream-colored lace trim forming a stylized bow.
- Satin: Significant wear and tears are visible on the silk of the side panels of both shoes (the fabric has become brittle over time).
- Trim: The silk bows and lace are remarkably well-preserved, displaying a magnificent period patina.
- Structure: The leather soles and heels remain perfectly sound.
560 €
Period: 19th century
Style: Napoleon 3rd
Condition: Some scratches and chips
Material: Silk
Reference (ID): 1806467
Availability: In stock
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