Ich glaube Johann, Sie tragen meine Stiefel! (Original Title) 

Hermann Wirsing made “I think Johann, you’re wearing my boots!” using watercolor and graphite. The delicate strokes capture a moment of domestic tension. Here, the choice of watercolor as a medium is telling. It’s often associated with sketching and preliminary studies, a less 'serious' form of art. Wirsing uses its fluid and translucent qualities to depict a scene that’s far from grand or heroic. Instead, we see a glimpse into the everyday lives of people, perhaps reflecting the rising importance of the middle class as a subject for art. The labor involved in creating this piece is evident in the fine detail, from the rendering of the clothing to the subtle expressions on the figures' faces. Yet, the subject matter hints at a world of domestic service and class relations. The title suggests an unequal relationship between the two figures, one perhaps a servant, caught in an act that blurs the lines of propriety. Ultimately, this artwork challenges traditional notions of high art by focusing on the mundane realities of human interaction and social dynamics. The artist invites us to look beyond the surface and consider the power structures that shape our daily lives.