Delft shoe 1720

These Delft shoes were made by an anonymous artist out of earthenware. They are decorated in a style that evokes broader social and institutional themes. These striking shoes are more than mere objects; they are artifacts steeped in cultural significance. The Delftware pottery, originating from the Netherlands, rose to prominence in the 17th century, mimicking the highly coveted blue-and-white porcelain from China. The floral motifs and the shoe's shape itself speak to the aristocratic fashion of the time. The high heel, impractical as it may seem, was a symbol of status, elevating the wearer both literally and figuratively above the lower classes. To fully understand the meaning, historians often turn to trade records and fashion archives. The meaning of such pieces is contingent on their social and institutional context.