Fig. 25.Fig. 26.Fig. 27.
Fig. 25.Fig. 26.Fig. 27.
Fig. 25.
Fig. 26.
Fig. 27.
These supports, orchapineys, as they were called bythe Venetians, were made of wood and covered with leather of different colors. Many were curiously painted, while the richest were of gilt. The height of thesechapineyswas determined by the rank of the wearer, the noblest ladies often having them one-half yard or more high. Of course no woman could walk easily, hampered with such appendages, so all that could at all afford it would have one or two attendants to support them on either side when they walked abroad; and even thus supported, walking was extremely difficult.
Finally, the daughters of one of the Doges came to the conclusion that the fashion was abominable, and they would stand it no longer. It was not long before their suffering sisters became of the same mind, and the fashion gradually died out.
When CharlesI. first met his future wife at Dover, he seemed surprised to find her so tall, and, having made some remark to that effect, she answered him as follows: “Sire, I stand upon my own feet. I have no help of art. Thus high I am; I am neither higher or lower,” wishing him to understand, it seems, that her fine stature was not due to artificial means.
Fig.15represents a highly ornamented clog of this period, while Figure19shows another style of Venetian pattern.