The Wooden Shoes 1884 - 1885

This painting was created by George Hendrik Breitner, and he used oil paint on canvas. The paint is applied in a loose, almost gestural way, blurring the background and softening the child's features. Now, the most striking element is right there in the title: the wooden shoes, or clogs. These were a common type of footwear for the working class, practical for the muddy conditions of the Netherlands. Look at the texture that Breitner has created to depict this. The shoes aren't idealized; instead, they have a worn and humble appearance. They speak to the realities of labor, class, and everyday life. Breitner was known for his interest in portraying the lives of ordinary people, and his approach challenges the traditional hierarchy between fine art and craft. He elevates the image of these clogs, and thus, the status of the wearer. It's a reminder that the materials and processes of everyday life can be just as meaningful as those found in high art.