Balschoen van wit fluweel, versierd met geborduurde palmetbloemen met ranken before 1890

These ballroom shoes, created by Manfield, are made from white velvet and decorated with embroidered palmette flowers and tendrils. The velvet gives the shoes a soft, luxurious texture, while the embroidery adds intricate detail and visual interest. The design suggests they were made by hand. The density of the embroidery speaks to considerable labor hours. When considering the embroidery, the shoes move beyond pure utility and enter the realm of artistry. They are not only functional footwear, but also a statement of status and taste. By combining materials and techniques in this way, the shoes transcend the boundaries between craft and fine art. In the end, understanding the materials, processes, and social context of the ballroom shoes allows us to appreciate their full meaning and significance, challenging the traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.