Schoenenverkoper 1660

"Schoenenverkoper" is a 1660 etching by Italian artist Giuseppe Maria Mitelli (1634-1718) currently housed in the Rijksmuseum. The etching depicts a shoe seller walking on crutches, carrying a pole over his shoulder with shoes hung from it. The scene is rendered in a realistic style with meticulous details and subtle shading. Mitelli's work showcases the artist's mastery of etching and his keen eye for capturing everyday life. This etching is a prime example of 17th century Italian "genre" art, which often depicted scenes from everyday life, particularly of common people and their occupations.