In the 90s, I owned a basic pair of black Dr. Martens shoes and some serious Dr. Martens boots. But in the new millennium, the company has really upped its fashion game with fun new collections every season. I own several pairs, including brogues with red tartan fabric, black and white polka dots, and my newest, and probably favorite pair of all (so far, anyway) – thanks to some 18th-century paintings.

This month, Dr. Martens, in collaboration with the Soane Museum in London, introduced a capsule collection featuring the work of artist William Hogarth, in particular his most famous piece, “A Rake’s Progress.” This series of 8 paintings illustrates the rise and fall of a ne’er-do-well who inherits money and squanders it all on gambling, drinking and women and ends up losing his mind in Bedlam. (At least he should’ve squandered all his money on shoes.)

When I saw these at the Dr. Martens store, I could not believe how beautiful and unique they were. They’re literally a walking piece of art. I doubt that Hogarth would have ever imagined that more than 200 years after he completed these paintings that they would be licensed to be reproduced on shoes. But as he was also a satirist and social critic, I think he would’ve gotten a chuckle out of the notion. 

Pants by Maison Martin Margiela for H&M. T-shirt is Heattech from Uniqlo.