Shoe-Black 1695 - 1752

"Shoe-Black" is an etching by Jacopo Amigoni, an Italian artist active in the 18th century. Created between 1695 and 1752, the print depicts a young shoe-black standing in the street with his tools and a basket. The realistic portrayal of the boy's clothing and work tools offers a glimpse into the lives of working-class individuals in 18th-century London. The etching, part of a series of prints capturing different occupations, highlights the social realism and everyday scenes that were popular subjects in art during this period. The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City holds this print as part of its extensive collection of European art.