Created:
Movement:
1888
Post-Impressionism
key Notes:
Worn footwear; Earthy tones.
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Dimensions:
18 x 21 3/4 in. (45.7 x 55.2 cm)
medium:
Oil on canvas
Difficulty:
Easy
New game
story of the work:

"Shoes" is a still life painting created by Vincent van Gogh in 1888 during his time in Arles, France. The artwork depicts a pair of worn-out shoes resting on the ground, rendered with expressive brushwork and a vibrant color palette. Van Gogh's choice of subject reflects his interest in everyday objects and the emotional resonance they can convey. The painting is often interpreted as a symbol of the artist's own struggles and the hardships of rural life. It is part of a series of still lifes that Van Gogh created during this period, showcasing his evolving style and technique. "Shoes" is housed in the collection of the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam. The exact circumstances surrounding the creation of the painting remain unknown.

Description of the work:

"Shoes," painted by Vincent van Gogh in 1888, depicts a pair of worn, rustic shoes resting on a simple surface. The composition is characterized by a strong use of color, with earthy tones dominating the palette, including browns, ochres, and muted greens. The texture of the shoes is rendered with visible brushstrokes, emphasizing their scuffed and weathered appearance. The background is a contrasting dark hue, which serves to highlight the shoes as the focal point of the work. The painting reflects van Gogh's interest in everyday objects and their emotional resonance, capturing a sense of solitude and labor. The overall effect is both intimate and contemplative, inviting viewers to reflect on the life and experiences associated with the shoes.

Artwork Photograph Source:
Metropolitan Museum of Art

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Shoes