The National Gallery has once again joined forces with Dr. Martens, launching a second series in its 200th year.
The new release features Harmen Steenwyck and continues with Dr. Martens’ championing of artists who go against the grain.
Harmen Steenwyck was born in Delft, where he mainly worked. He and his brother Pieter were taught by their uncle, David Bailly, in Leiden. David is often credited with the invention of the type of painting called a vanitas, which emphasises the transience of life and the vanity of worldly wealth. The vanitas was a speciality in Leiden, and Harmen became its leading exponent.
One of Harmen’s most famous paintings, Still Life: An Allegory of the Vanities of Human Life (about 1640) is the focus of the latest release.
The Dr. Martens x The National Gallery: Harmen Steenwyck collection sees images of the painting applied onto three well-known DM silhouettes: the 1460 boot, the 1461 shoe and the leather backpack.
Signature DM features form the foundation of the modified styles: yellow welt stitching, robust leather, original soles. Each style is finished off with surrounding black undertones and antique gold hardware.
Launching today (4 April), the collection revives a legendary piece of artwork for a new era.
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