Shoes are an attribute of the traveler on foot. Boats are an attribute of the seafarer. This painting uses the metaphor or a “transfer” from the traveler on land to a traveler by sea. “Walking Beyond Three Seas” is the title of the book written in the form of a diary by a Russian merchant, Afanasy Nikitin, who travelled to India a quarter of a century before Vasco da Gama.

The artist’s imagination was inspired by the story of Cinderella losing her slipper at the ball. The prince found the slipper and, in the end, she married him. Later, the happy couple incorporated the slipper into the family coat of arms.

The ocean liner in the painting is sailing over the seas, as if gliding on the dance floor. One can imagine that this is a ship designed for jolly cruises, laughter, merriment, and happy times. Every deck is outfitted with dance floors and concert halls, where elaborate and lavish “Cinderella balls” are regularly held throughout the voyage.

The cruise liner symbolizes leaving the mundane of everyday life behind and taking off toward the oceans of fun.