The artwork entitled “Der gestohlene Schuh” was created by the artist Blanka Mandel in the year 2019. The medium employed for this piece is acrylic and pastel on canvas, measuring 23.6 by 23.6 inches. It is categorized under the fantasy genre and is indicative of the symbolic art movement.
This artwork is a vibrant, visually compelling canvas that immerses the viewer in a fantastical aquatic setting. Hues of blue dominate, suggesting an underwater dreamscape. A central female figure with pale skin and a cerulean blue tail, reminiscent of a mermaid, anchors the composition. Her hair flows gracefully, adorned with a prominent red bow that draws the eye and provides a striking contrast to the predominantly blue palette.
To her left, a patchwork of mosaic-like tiles forms the semblance of a serpentine creature, possible a reference to a mythical sea serpent or a nod to the intricate details found in nature. Flora and fauna are depicted with a whimsical touch, illustrated through a variety of species and plant life that seem to thrive in this imaginative habitat. The artwork exhibits a rich texture and depth created by the mixed use of acrylic and pastel, contributing to a sense of enchantment and wonder. The symbolic nature of the work may leave the viewer contemplating the interplay between the real and the imagined, the seen and the hidden, within this undersea tableau.
