A Pair of Shoes 1887

Vincent van Gogh made these shoes with oil on canvas, using a technique that emphasized the materiality of paint itself. Look closely, and you'll see how he handled the medium, layering thick impasto to capture the worn surfaces and darkened tones of the shoes. The brushstrokes create a tactile quality, echoing the rough texture of the leather. One can imagine the cobbler’s hands skillfully manipulating the materials to shape the soles, stitch the uppers, and secure the fastenings. Van Gogh elevates this everyday object to a subject worthy of artistic contemplation, challenging traditional notions of what constitutes art. He invites us to consider the labor, skill, and care involved in the making and wearing of these shoes, while prompting us to reflect on the lives and experiences of those who wore them. By focusing on the process and material, Van Gogh bridges the gap between fine art and craft, revealing the inherent beauty and significance of the handmade in the modern world.