Nike Shoes in 400-Year-Old Painting: A Mystery Unfolds

A 400-year-old painting has gone viral after people noticed that the young boy in the portrait appears to be wearing Nike Air sneakers. The painting, titled “Portrait of Frederick Sluysken,” was created by Dutch artist Ferdinand Bol in 1648. It depicts Sluysken, a wealthy merchant, and his son.

The boy in the painting is wearing shoes with white soles and black stripes. The stripes are arranged in a swoosh-like pattern, which has led some people to believe that he is wearing Nike Airs. However, it is important to note that Nike was not founded until 1964, over 200 years after the painting was created.

It is more likely that the shoes in the painting are simply a type of Dutch clog. Clogs were a popular form of footwear in the Netherlands during the 17th century. They were made of wood and had a thick sole that provided good traction.

Ferdinand Bol died #OnThisDay in 1680.

Currently on loan to us, his charming 'Portrait of Frederick Sluysken' depicts the son of a wine merchant.

Take a closer look at his shoes and you might spot what looks like a more 'modern' detail. Can you see it? https://t.co/XKAnpg4DT8 pic.twitter.com/pg6lStyuzG

— National Gallery (@NationalGallery) August 24, 2022

While it is possible that the boy in the painting is wearing Nike Airs, it is more likely that he is wearing clogs. The swoosh-like pattern on the shoes is simply a coincidence.

Here are some additional details about the painting:

• It is currently on display at the Frans Hals Museum in Haarlem, Netherlands.
• It is one of Bol’s most famous works.
• Sluysken was a wealthy merchant who lived in Haarlem.
• His son, Frederick, was also a merchant.
• The painting is a good example of Dutch portraiture from the 17th century.

The painting has been the subject of much debate online. Some people believe that the boy is wearing Nike Airs, while others believe that he is wearing clogs. There is no definitive answer, as the painting is too old to be carbon dated. However, the most likely explanation is that the boy is wearing clogs.