Shoe 1935 - 1942

Lucille Chabot made this drawing of a "Shoe" using graphite and watercolor on paper. The single shoe dominates the composition, its dark and textural form contrasting sharply with the stark, off-white background. Note the two additional shoes rendered as basic outlines. The composition draws attention to the materiality of the shoe. The scuff marks, creases, and the way light reflects on the leather, all suggest a narrative of wear and use. Chabot seems less concerned with the shoe as a fashion item and more interested in exploring its form and the subtle changes of tone. The shoe might be considered within a semiotic framework. As an object, the shoe can signify utility and personal history. The careful rendering might also highlight the act of observation, prompting us to consider how everyday objects carry layers of meaning. Rather than presenting a polished or idealized image, Chabot has captured the shoe's lived-in character, inviting us to reconsider the beauty in the mundane.