A mysterious detail, believed to be Nike shoes in a centuries-old painting, has sparked online debates about time travel.
Art enthusiasts are baffled by what looks like a pair of Nike trainers in a 17th-century masterpiece.
Painting depicts mordern sneakers in a historic cene
The painting in question is “Portrait of Frederick Sluysken” by Dutch master Ferdinand Bol, created in the 1600s.
The artwork, displayed at the National Gallery in London, is considered one of Bol’s finest portraits.
It features a young boy elegantly dressed in a gray suit adorned with gold buttons and ribbons.
He leans against a table, holding a wine goblet, with lemons nearby.
However, visitors were stunned when they noticed something unusual—shoes resembling modern Nike trainers.
The footwear even appeared to feature the iconic white swoosh logo.
Visitors reacts to the Peculiar Footwear
Fiona Foskett, 57, and her daughter, Holly, 23, were among the visitors who noticed the peculiar detail.
Fiona said, “I asked my daughter, ‘Hold on, is he wearing a pair of Nike trainers?’” She joked, “Maybe he’s a time traveler who got his hands on the first pair of Nikes ever made.”
The gallery itself joined in on the fun, tweeting about the unusual observation: “Take a closer look at his shoes and you might spot what looks like a more ‘modern’ detail.”
This footwear sparks debate among viewers.
One person said: Even a pair of Jordans were expensive in those days.
A second wrote: Clearly looks like a crease in the polished leather and light glimmering off it.
While a third commented: The same people that are baffled recently discovered that Owen Wilson’s brother is Luke Wilson.
Another pointed out: There’s probably a silver shoe buckle under the ribbon, and that’s a corner of it peeking out
Someone else said: It’s a white section of leather under the bow. Or it’s the sock.
Another uswer: So nike ripped off someone’s else logo???? Just kidding – think it’s the buckle.
You realize Nike is Greek for victory. Greece has been her a lot longer than Nike.
National gallert addresses the mystery
The National Gallery expressed delight at the painting’s popularity. A spokesperson explained, “We are thrilled that visitors have found this artwork so engaging. The detail in the shoes has sparked wonderful conversations.”
The gallery encouraged visitors to look closely at the artwork, which was on loan and displayed prominently.
This isn’t the first time historical art has puzzled modern audiences with seemingly contemporary elements.
In another case, Ferdinand Georg Waldmüller’s *The Expected One* from 1860 appeared to show a woman holding an iPhone. The supposed smartphone turned out to be a prayer book.
Such instances often highlight the power of interpretation and the timeless appeal of art.
While the ‘Nike shoes’ in Portrait of Frederick Sluysken might not prove time travel, they certainly add intrigue to the artwork.
Whether a playful coincidence or a product of modern imagination, it’s moments like these that keep historical art alive in contemporary discussions.