Fig. 37.Fig. 38.Fig. 39.
Fig. 37.Fig. 38.Fig. 39.
Fig. 37.
Fig. 38.
Fig. 39.
During the Revolution in France, there was quite a mania for classic styles in shoes, and many ladies in high society adopted the Greek and Roman sandals, which were fastened on the foot by gay-colored ribbons. Mme. Tallien once appeared at a ball in such sandals, with her toes decorated with diamond rings.
Fig.34shows the shoe of the unfortunate Duke de Montmorency, a victim of the relentless animosity of Richelieu. It is of black leather, with a large red heel, and entirely covered with ornaments; tradition says it was gathered on the scaffold. Fig.35represents a highly ornamented lady’s shoe of this period, while Fig.36is a shoe worn during the Regency. The heel is very high and not unlike a barber’s wig-stand; the front, however, is rather graceful in shape.
Figs.37and38are samples of the curiously carved wooden shoes which were worn by ladies at the end of the sixteenth century. Fig.39represents a black leather shoe of LouisXIV., with red heel; these were in high favor at court at this time.