French, Paris
Shoebox accompanying pair of Purple Satin Slippers, about 1900
Paper
This rectangular, khaki-colored shoebox has a thin, straight band in a darker shade of the color forming a border on the box’s top. The top of the box has separated from the front at the edge. Additional wear is noted along the top side to our right, and a torn edge is visible on the top corner to our left. A decorative oval label with a shop’s emblem is placed diagonally on the upper corner to our left, with the inscription 85 Rue de Richeliu, Chapelle, Cordonnier POUR DAMES, Paris. Written on the upper corner to our right, in calligraphy, are the words, Madam Gardner, 1 P Souliers Satin Vert. And, in faint cursive writing on the top, in the middle, are the words, from Claudia Potter, 12 Richgrain Ave.
Commentary
Isabella Stewart Gardner kept meticulous records of many of her acquisitions. In keeping with this legacy, object information is continually being reviewed, updated, and enriched in order to give greater access to the collection.