Artwork
The Merry Shoemaker
The Merry Shoemaker is an ink print by the Baroque artist Cornelis Dusart. It dates from 1695 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
The Merry Shoemaker is an etching created by Cornelis Dusart in 1695. It is a representative work of the Dutch genre painter and printmaker, showcasing his skill in capturing everyday scenes.
Subject & Meaning
The etching depicts a cluttered shoemaker's workshop, with the shoemaker at its center, surrounded by tools and assistants. The title suggests that the scene may be more than a straightforward representation of a trade, potentially incorporating humor or playfulness.
Technique & Style
Dusart's etching is characterized by finely detailed, textured lines, reflecting his training under Adriaen van Ostade. The work's style is closely aligned with his mentor's, focusing on the depiction of peasant life and everyday subjects.
Context
The Merry Shoemaker is a product of Dusart's interest in capturing scenes of everyday life, particularly those related to trades and leisure activities. The etching is a reflection of the artist's attention to detail and his ability to convey energy and activity in a crowded scene.
Artist & collection
Artist
Cornelis Dusart (April 24, 1660 – October 1, 1704) was a Dutch genre painter, drawer (artists), and printmaker.
Peasant Family in an Interior wtih the Father Feeding a Child
Peasant Settling his Debt
Man Paying the Landlady at an Inn
Peasant Family in an Interior with the Mother Feeding a Child
La Ventouse
The Family
Violin Player Seated in a Tavern
Peasants Outside an Inn Entertained by Musicians with a Flute and a Drum
Two Peasants Singing
Violin Player Seated in the Inn
The Sick Greybeard (or, "January and May")
Peasant Family in an Interior wtih the Father Feeding a Child