Artwork
Toe Shoe Mary Jane
Toe Shoe Mary Jane is a watercolor work on paper by the Contemporary Abstract artist Barbara Nessim. It dates from 1973 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Overview
Toe Shoe Mary Jane is a 1973 watercolour design by Barbara Nessim, created for potential production by Carber Shoes. The work features three variations of a Mary Jane shoe in red, blue, and black, accompanied by annotations for materials and numbering.
Subject & Meaning
The subject is a design concept for a 'toe shoe' style of Mary Jane, a type of flat, round-toed shoe traditionally for children. The inclusion of multiple color and material options (suede, metallic blue) suggests the artwork's purpose as a speculative design proposal.
Technique & Style
Executed in watercolour, the piece exhibits loose lines and flat, ungraded colors, characteristic of quick, exploratory design notes rather than a finished artistic piece. A smaller, additional shoe sketch at the bottom left reinforces the sketchbook or conceptual nature of the work.
History & Provenance
Created in 1973 for Carber Shoes, the artwork's current location and full provenance are not detailed here, though similar works by the artist can be found in collections like the Victoria and Albert Museum.
Context
Part of a broader 1970s design landscape, this piece reflects the era's interest in versatile, casual footwear. Barbara Nessim's work, as seen in the V&A's holdings, often blends commercial design practices with artistic expression.
Legacy
While the direct impact of Toe Shoe Mary Jane on shoe design is unspecified, it contributes to the archival record of 1970s footwear design and Barbara Nessim's diverse output as a designer and artist.
Artist & collection
Artist
Barbara Nessim (born 1939) is an American artist, illustrator, and educator whose work has played a significant role in expanding the boundaries between illustration, fine art, and digital media.
