Appearance: Wealth and Status? - (Page 3 of 4)

A Boy aged Two was born almost four hundred years ago. He is dressed like a miniature adult and must have found it hard to run around and play in his velvet, silver and lace dress. It was not until they were about eight that wealthy boys were 'breeched' and started wearing trousers.

The baby Duc de Montpensier, is another boy born into great wealth, whose props suggest what his future holds. The painter, François Boucher, shows this 18th century child glancing over to one side, his face full of curiosity and alertness. The feet poke out from under the skirt - in solidly structured leather boots. He must just be learning to walk. Look at the lavish toys and clothes: this painting was as much about highlighting the wealth and nobility of the family as it was about making the child look 'smart' for the portrait.

The refined, lace-trimmed infant layette was not made for frequent use and again is about making sure the child's appearance is noticed. The intricate lace decoration expresses the wealth and sewing skills of a household. Soft enough to be comfortable for a new baby, these delicate garments may have been used on a ceremonial occasion, such as a baptism. This is a practice that is still in use today, often with the delicate clothing being handed down from generation to generation.

Some forms of clothing to enhance are not as kind to the child. The Chinese Shoes highlight a less than humane practice that was carried out until 1911. Ironically the shoes look childlike in size, but were in fact for an adult. The process for this would begin for a girl from the age of 6, with their feet being bound to deform their feet. It was deemed unnecessary for the wealthy to walk as they would be carried, so this cruel act was actually a sign of wealth and status.