Cinderella's Glass Slipper: Towards a Cultural History of Renaissance Materialities

Cinderella's Glass Slipper explores Renaissance material cultures through the literary prism of fairy-tale objects, revealing a socio-economic account of luxury and colonialism in the age of discovery.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 75 pages
Publication date: 20 October 2022
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Cinderella's Glass Slipper is a captivating exploration of Renaissance material cultures, delving into the realm of fairy-tale objects through the literary lens. This literary fairy-tale originated in Renaissance Venice, drawing inspiration from oral storytelling traditions that later evolved into the Arabian Nights. It then found its way into the Parisian salons of Louis XIV, where it was predominantly crafted by, for, and in the name of women. These tales took a lighthearted and humorous approach to life's challenges, particularly the fortunes of women in marriage. By linking the literary representations of bridal goods, including dresses, jewelry, carriages, toiletries, banqueting, and confectionary foods, to the craft histories of their creation, this Element provides a fresh socio-economic perspective on Renaissance luxury. It offers a comprehensive account, spanning from architectural interiors to sartorial fashioning and design. By intertwining Renaissance luxury wares with their fairy-tale portrayal, it uncovers the sought-after materialities of bridal goods, such as gold, silver, diamonds, and silk, within the expanding colonialist markets of a newly global early modern economy during the age of discovery.

Weight: 673g
ISBN-13: 9781009263986