Label for the exhibition Shoes: Pleasure and Pain
The Powerful Mistress
Madame de Pompadour was the official mistress
of King Louis XV and a leader of fashion. She helped to popularise this style of shoe in which the heel is placed directly under the instep. The sensuously curving and precariously high 10.5 cm heel made the foot look petite but it also made the wearer totter dangerously, as it gave no proper support.
Pompadour’ shoes
1750–60
France
Brocaded silk, silk damask and leather; silver and pastes (glass)
Given by Messrs Harrods Ltd
V&A: T.423&A-1913 (shoes); T.437&B-1913 (buckles) [2015-2016]