Shoes of the Holy Roman Empire

Background

It is likely that the shoes were produced in the Royal Workshops of Sicily in the early 13th century. They now form part of the Insignia of the Holy Roman Empire.

Stitches and Techniques

• underside couching
• applied pearls, gem stones
• surface couching

Design and Materials

Materials included red silk, calf skin, gold wire embroidery, pearls, saphires, rubies, enamelled plaques. It is likely that the gloves were altered in the 17th century.

Links

• Images of Shoes at the Rubens Art Server
• Exhibition of the Secular Treasury at Kunsthistorisches Museum

Sources for Further Information

• Schuette, Marie and Muller-Christensen, Sigrid, The Art of Embroidery, (London: Thames and Hudson, 1964)