A Country Cobbler

The Norwegian artist Harriet Backer is famous for her interiors with atmospheric lighting. Backer was a realist and strove to depict her subjects with the greatest possible veracity. She was also an Impressionist and created moods and atmospheres by showing how light affected colours and shapes. This is a rural setting, where the local shoe-maker is working in the light from the window. To achieve good lighting for his work, the shoe-maker has filtered the sunlight through a thin curtain. The working day ended at sunset.