Vincent Van Gogh's “A Pair of Shoes” (1886)

Vincent Van Gogh’s painting “A Pair of Shoes” is one of the most impactful and symbolic works he created throughout his life. Produced in 1886 in Paris, this piece stands out in art history for its aesthetic and philosophical meanings.

Van Gogh’s choice to depict shoes represents the social, cultural, and individual hardships of his time. In the late 19th century, shoes were seen as a symbol of the working class and poor peasants. Through these shoes, Van Gogh highlights the struggle of the working class, the challenges of daily life, and labor. At the same time, shoes symbolize a person’s life journey and experiences; thus, the worn-out shoes are connected to the hardships and fatigue of life. Art historians suggest that Van Gogh identified with this work on a personal level. The artist’s financial difficulties, loneliness, and psychological struggles are reflected in the existential condition symbolized by the shoes. The worn shoes can be interpreted as an expression of the artist’s mental and physical exhaustion.