Created from high-quality wood, milled with simple clean lines and presented with a satin finish. Includes an off-white mount that will not discolour or fade with age. - Simple, elegant design - Premium, fine art paper with a gently textured surface - Handmade by specialist picture framers - FSC certified off-white mat / window mount - Delivered ready for hanging

"Shoes" by Vincent van Gogh is a compelling work that profoundly captures the texture, wear, and essence of a simple pair of boots. The painting features a pair of old, worn-out shoes, placed on a plain background. The shoes are robust and rugged, indicative of hard, manual labor. Van Gogh employs a rich, earthy palette, primarily using dark browns, ochres, and blacks, which give the shoes a feeling of heaviness and reality. The paint application is thick and expressive, with visible, energetic brushstrokes that add texture and depth to the canvas. Each curve, crease, and tear in the leather is rendered with meticulous care, evoking the sense of the shoes' history and the life of the person who wore them.

The background is simple and nondescript, allowing the viewer's attention to focus entirely on the shoes. The surface appears rough, painted in muted tones of grey and brown, further emphasizing the worn and utilitarian nature of the shoes. Van Gogh's attention to detail and use of color and brushwork make the shoes almost palpable; one can imagine their weight and feel the rough texture of the tired leather.

Information about the Original Painting and the Artist:

- Location: The original "Shoes" painting is housed in the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, Netherlands.

- Artist Context: Vincent van Gogh painted "Shoes" in 1886 during his stay in Paris. This period was crucial in his artistic development as he was exposed to new ideas and techniques. The painting is an outstanding example of van Gogh's ability to find beauty and meaning in ordinary objects.

His time in Paris allowed him to refine his style and move towards the more dynamic, expressive manner for which he is now celebrated. The painting is notable not just for its technical skill but also for the emotional weight it carries, encapsulating themes of struggle, labor, and the simple dignity of everyday life.

- Artistic Movements: Van Gogh's work fits within the Post-Impressionist movement, known for its vivid colors, emotional depth, and symbolic content. "Shoes" reflects these characteristics through its bold, expressive brushwork and its ability to convey complex ideas and emotions through a simple subject.

- Noteworthy Details: This painting is often interpreted as a metaphor for van Gogh's own life and struggles. The shoes can be seen as a symbol of the artist's own tumultuous journey and his empathy towards the working class. Van Gogh painted several still-life compositions of shoes throughout his career, each time imbuing them with a sense of character and narrative.

"Shoes" by Vincent van Gogh is more than just a study of a pair of boots; it is a poignant exploration of the human condition, marked by its creator’s profound empathy and masterful technique.