The Boot Black 1870

"The Boot Black" (1870) by William P. Chappel is a small oil painting depicting a street scene in New York City. The painting is notable for its detailed portrayal of the city's architecture and the daily life of its inhabitants. The painting is a fine example of American genre painting, which sought to depict scenes of everyday life and working-class people. The painting's composition, with its focus on the central figure of the boot black, creates a sense of intimacy and realism. The detail of the scene, including the horse-drawn carriage, the street lamp, and the cobblestone street, bring a sense of realism to the scene. The painting is now housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York City.