Shoe and Hand 1964

Marisol Escobar created this lithograph titled 'Shoe and Hand'. It speaks to the ways in which society, especially in the mid-20th century, imposed constraints on women. The print combines the symbols of a stiletto shoe and a hand. The shoe, often associated with feminine allure and societal expectations, appears to engulf the hand, hinting at the limitations and pressures women faced. Made in the United States, it resonates with the era's discussions on gender roles and equality. It invites us to reflect on the cultural associations we assign to clothing and body parts and consider how those symbols might shape our understanding of individual identity. Delving into such pieces requires us to consult a range of resources. This could include feminist theory, historical records, and art criticism. By doing so we can begin to understand art as a product of social and institutional forces.