Shoes 1870s

Editor: Here we have "Shoes" from the 1870s by Hellstern and Sons, currently residing at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. They're made from textile and photography, which I find really interesting, as these shoes don't really give away any sense of scale without a background, and they give a strange uncanny valley feeling because of that. I’m curious, how do you approach this piece, considering its… unique presentation? Curator: From a formalist perspective, the most compelling aspect is the interplay between texture and form. Observe the stark contrast: the smoothness of the presumed satin ground against the intricate embroidery and playful, polychromatic tassel fringe. Consider how the sharply pointed toe of the slipper redirects our gaze, defying the soft, rounded heel. Are we meant to perceive tension? Editor: Tension, perhaps between comfort and fashion? The pointed toe does look quite severe next to the embellishments. Is that deliberate, you think? Curator: Undoubtedly deliberate. The composition urges us to examine the dynamic between ornamentation and the underlying structure. The visual weight of the floral embroidery, predominantly situated on the vamp, creates an imbalance, challenging the shoe’s functionality as a mere object of utility. Do you discern any other oppositions at play? Editor: Now that you point it out, the muted, almost aged quality of the base fabric clashes with the vibrant, almost exuberant, colours of the embroidery. Maybe there is an analogy of "the good old days" with some new youthful rebelliousness that gives these shoes a unique presence. Curator: An astute observation! Considering these elements collectively, the piece reveals a complex meditation on artifice and artistry. I hadn't thought about that youth rebellion, I have learned a new reading. Thank you! Editor: Likewise. Now I’ll certainly look at other functional items and consider the ways they reveal the structure.