Feet with Campbell's Soup Can

Mogens Balle, 1960

MEDIUMBlack ballpoint pen on cream wove paper
DIMENSIONS43.3 × 35.2 cm (17 1/16 × 13 7/8 in.)
LOCATIONArt Institute of Chicago
COLLECTIONPrints and Drawings
CULTUREUnited States
CREDIT LINEMargaret Fisher Endowment

Stop to see how everyday objects transform into art. This drawing uses a simple ballpoint pen to create a surprisingly intimate and thought-provoking image of bare feet alongside a familiar soup can, a playful nod to pop culture's rise.

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ABOUT THIS WORK

A pair of bare feet, rendered with a light, almost sketch-like touch, dominates this drawing. They rest casually, perhaps on a surface unseen, their forms suggested by the delicate lines of a black ballpoint pen. Tucked between the ankles is a familiar red and white Campbell's Soup can, instantly recognizable despite its small scale and the monochrome medium. The stark contrast between the human form and the mass-produced object creates a quiet, almost surreal juxtaposition. This drawing, made in 1960, reflects a moment when artists began to incorporate everyday items into their work, blurring the lines between high art and popular culture. The humble ballpoint pen, typically used for quick notes, elevates this casual scene, inviting a closer look at the ordinary.

ART MOVEMENTS
CoBrA
LOOK CLOSER

What to Notice

1

The delicate cross-hatching and shading that define the contours of the feet.

2

The subtle indentation where the soup can rests between the ankles.

3

The distinct red and white label of the Campbell's Soup can, even in black and white.

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Audio Deep Dive

Stop to see how everyday objects transform into art. This drawing uses a simple ballpoint pen to create a surprisingly intimate and thought-provoking image of…

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THE ARTIST
Mogens Balle 1921–1988 · Kingdom of Denmark

Mogens Balle, a Danish painter, created vibrant, abstract works, often exploring the spontaneous and experimental.

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