Schoenenverkoper 1670 - 1724

This is Jacob Gole's "Schoenenverkoper," or "Shoe Seller," an engraving made in the late 17th century. Here we see a wandering merchant carrying his wares, a potent symbol of commerce and daily life. But look beyond the surface. This humble shoe seller, burdened yet mobile, echoes the ancient archetype of the wanderer. Consider, for example, how the figure of Hermes, messenger of the gods, is often depicted in a similar pose, staff in hand, traversing worlds. The simple act of walking, of bearing burdens, becomes a metaphor for the human journey itself. The shoes, dangling like strange fruit, evoke a primal need: protection for our feet, grounding us to the earth. Think back to Van Gogh's worn-out shoes. They evoke something deeply personal and universal. These echoes resonate through time, reminding us that even the most mundane objects can carry profound psychological weight, tapping into our collective memories and anxieties. The wandering shoe seller becomes an allegorical figure of human resilience. A testament to the cyclical nature of trade and the enduring human spirit.