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Hi, I'm Jo Potocki. A self-taught artist in exotic Toledo, OH. I share paintings, history, paranormal, weird news, and more. And watch for my occasional one-minute art shows - perfect for the impatient. See ya!

Ever Seen "Shoes" by Van Gogh?

Jo Potocki

Sep 4, 2023

Happy Labor Day!
I hope you’re not working today!

Everyone knows Vincent Van Gogh’s paintings like "Starry Night," "Sunflowers," and "The Café Terrace at Night." I want to show you one of my favorite pieces.

It’s "Shoes" from 1886. This work depicts a pair of worn-out shoes and reflects Van Gogh's interest in capturing the essence of working-class objects and people. Van Gogh bought the shoes at a market to use for the painting.

The painting has been the subject of numerous interpretations by art critics and scholars over the years, especially regarding its seemingly mundane topic and what it might reveal about Van Gogh's struggles and insights into the human condition. I don’t think it’s even up for debate; Van Gogh knew how hard the life of the working class was and made a painting about it. That wasn’t even his only shoe painting.

A Pair of Leather Clobgs by Vincent Van Gogh 1889

I have new prints up in the art store - check them out!