Bootjack c. 1940

Marius Hansen made this drawing of a bootjack, sometime between 1855 and 1995. It’s all delicate lines and muted, earthy colours, creating a fascinating tension between the utilitarian object and the decorative patterning. You can really see the hand of the artist here, in the way the forms are built up through layering and the precision of the mark-making. Look closely at how the various elements of the bootjack are described. Notice the linear details, with their graphic precision, and the subtle gradations of tone, that add depth and volume. The controlled palette, working with browns, greens, and creams, gives the piece a calm, almost meditative quality, allowing the eye to linger on the intricate details. I think it reminds me of some drawings by Alfred Jensen. Ultimately, this drawing is a reminder of the rich possibilities that emerge when art embraces the everyday. It’s a quiet celebration of craft, tradition, and the simple beauty of ordinary things.