In the sixteenth century the movement seemed to start in Spain then moved to Italy before engulfing the whole of Europe. Painters specialised in the female foot with toe cleavage an artistic interpretation for seduction. Partially covered feet became the voyeuristic mark of the time and the vogue of courtiers enjoyed by both sexes. In the literature idealised foot of the troubadour was revived, re-eroticised and idolised. The long second toe became popular (i.e. the Greek Foot) and clothed prostitutes paraded before customers unshod. Preference for the small foot in the French and Italian courts meant footbinding, European style, was practised. This is perhaps best seen in the development of ballet. Great interest in the erotic works of the east was also evidenced. This fetish remained popular until the treatment of mercury provided a primitive cure for syphilis. During 1728 to 1757 there was a major clamp down on books containing sexual references. A genteel common practice at the time was to give small ornament gifts in the shape of feet or shoes and leather boots.
heh intersting. toe cleavage. wrrrrar. lol