Cracows Collection

King Edward III of England after the Siege of Calais in 1347. Philippa of Hainault on a stool cuddles up to the king, while the burghers of Calais kneel before them with ropes around their necks

Wool tapestry of rural pursuits from the 15th century
Wool tapestry from the 15th century. It shows laborers in farm employment, pruning, ploughing, harvesting, bathing, through the months of the year against a background of colourful flowers

Conrad Paumann, German organist, lutenist and composer
Conrad Paumann, blind Renaissance German organist, lutenist and composer, died 1476. He is shown playing a Schoossorgel or portativ organ, with lute, harp and recorder on the wall

The coronation of King Henry IV of England with a huge crown, 1399
6337262 The coronation of King Henry IV of England with a huge crown, 1399 by Leech, John (1817-64) (after); (add.info.: The coronation of King Henry IV of England with a huge crown, 1399)

Jean de Chalons, John III, Count of Auxerre and Tonnerre.. Handcolored copperplate drawn and engraved by Leopold Massard from French Costumes from King Clovis to Our Days, Massard, Mifliez, Paris

Peire Cardenal or Pierre Cardinal, troubadour, 1180-1278.. Handcolored copperplate drawn and engraved by Leopold Massard from French Costumes from King Clovis to Our Days, Massard, Mifliez, Paris

Swearing an oath on the Bible, 15th century.. Handcolored illustration drawn and lithographed by Paul Mercuri with text by Camille Bonnard from Historical Costumes from the 12th to 15th Centuries

Tourney challenge etiquette, 15th century.. Handcolored illustration drawn and lithographed by Paul Mercuri with text by Camille Bonnard from Historical Costumes from the 12th to 15th Centuries

Costume of French youths, 15th century.. Handcolored illustration drawn and lithographed by Paul Mercuri with text by Camille Bonnard from Historical Costumes from the 12th to 15th Centuries

Four tournament judges and king of arms, 15th century.. Handcolored illustration drawn and lithographed by Paul Mercuri with text by Camille Bonnard from Historical Costumes from the 12th to 15th

The entrance of tournament judges, juges diseurs, 15th century.. Handcolored illustration drawn and lithographed by Paul Mercuri with text by Camille Bonnard from Historical Costumes from the 12th to

Young page boy, 15th century.. Handcolored illustration drawn and lithographed by Paul Mercuri with text by Camille Bonnard from Historical Costumes from the 12th to 15th Centuries, Levy Fils, Paris

Peter I, Count of Alencon, 1251-1284.. Handcolored copperplate drawn and engraved by Leopold Massard from French Costumes from King Clovis to Our Days, Massard, Mifliez, Paris, 1834

French crossbowman, 13th century.. Handcolored copperplate drawn and engraved by Leopold Massard from French Costumes from King Clovis to Our Days, Massard, Mifliez, Paris, 1834

Infantry sergeant, 13th century.. Handcolored copperplate drawn and engraved by Leopold Massard from French Costumes from King Clovis to Our Days, Massard, Mifliez, Paris, 1834

Guillaume de Lorris, French scholar and poet, died 1260.. Handcolored copperplate drawn and engraved by Leopold Massard from French Costumes from King Clovis to Our Days, Massard, Mifliez, Paris, 1834

French royal valet in hunting wear, 14th century.. Handcolored copperplate drawn and engraved by Leopold Massard from French Costumes from King Clovis to Our Days, Massard, Mifliez, Paris, 1834

Valet or servant, 14th century.. Handcolored copperplate drawn and engraved by Leopold Massard from French Costumes from King Clovis to Our Days, Massard, Mifliez, Paris, 1834

Lord in the court of Jean le Bon, 14th century.. Handcolored copperplate drawn and engraved by Leopold Massard from French Costumes from King Clovis to Our Days, Massard, Mifliez, Paris, 1834

Jeanne la Flammande, Joanna of Flanders, c1295-1374
Jeanne la Flammande, Joanna of Flanders, c.1295-1374.. Handcolored copperplate drawn and engraved by Leopold Massard from French Costumes from King Clovis to Our Days, Massard, Mifliez, Paris, 1834

Philip VI, King of France, died 1349.. Handcolored copperplate drawn and engraved by Leopold Massard from French Costumes from King Clovis to Our Days, Massard, Mifliez, Paris, 1834

Charles IV the Fair, King of France, 1294-1328.. Handcolored copperplate drawn and engraved by Leopold Massard from French Costumes from King Clovis to Our Days, Massard, Mifliez, Paris, 1834

Louis X the Quarreller, King of France, 1289-1316.. Handcolored copperplate drawn and engraved by Leopold Massard from French Costumes from King Clovis to Our Days, Massard, Mifliez, Paris, 1834

Mace-bearer or sergeant at arms, 14th century.. Handcolored copperplate drawn and engraved by Leopold Massard from French Costumes from King Clovis to Our Days, Massard, Mifliez, Paris, 1834

Jean de Meung or Mehun, French poet.. Handcolored copperplate drawn and engraved by Leopold Massard from French Costumes from King Clovis to Our Days, Massard, Mifliez, Paris, 1834

Bourgeois woman of Bordeaux, 14th century.. Handcolored copperplate drawn and engraved by Leopold Massard from French Costumes from King Clovis to Our Days, Massard, Mifliez, Paris, 1834

French noble couple hunting with falcons, 13th century.. Handcolored copperplate drawn and engraved by Leopold Massard from French Costumes from King Clovis to Our Days, Massard, Mifliez, Paris, 1834

Shoes of C15
English footwear: a pair of Piked or Copped shoes, also called Poulaines or Cracowes ; a pair of late C15th leather pattens

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"Unveiling the Dark Secrets: Cracows - A Foot Torture Method from the 15th Century" Step back in time to the era of King Edward III of England after the Siege of Calais in 1347, where a peculiar fashion trend emerged. Known as cracows, these elongated and exaggerated pointed shoes were not merely a style statement but also concealed a sinister secret. As depicted in a wool tapestry of rural pursuits from the 15th century, they were more than just footwear; they were instruments of torture. Conrad Paumann, a renowned German organist, lutenist, and composer himself fell victim to their painful grip. These shoes would squeeze and contort one's feet into agonizing positions. Even during grand events such as the coronation of King Henry IV of England with his colossal crown in 1399 or when swearing an oath on the Bible during the 15th century, individuals endured excruciating discomfort beneath their majestic attire due to these treacherous shoes. Etiquette was paramount during tourney challenges in this period. Participants adhered to strict rules while donning their elaborate costumes like French youths did in the 15th century. Four tournament judges and king-of-arms oversaw proceedings with utmost authority and seriousness. The entrance procession of tournament judges known as juges diseurs was nothing short of awe-inspiring. Their regal presence commanded respect while evoking fear among participants who dared challenge each other for glory on horseback. Amidst this medieval spectacle stood young page boys adorned with cracows that concealed their pain-stricken faces behind stoic expressions. They served nobles like Peter I, Count of Alencon (1251-1284), enduring unimaginable suffering silently for their masters' pleasure. Cracows may have faded into history's shadows today but serve as reminders that even fashion trends can harbor dark secrets.