Cantabrian Divide by Unknown Artist, oil on canvas, no visible signature, circa late 19th century to early 20th century, framed - 33 1/3" x 29" 
 
Overall good condition given age, some restoration work done on paint loss at upper center edge and to the left of the subjects 
 
Though the artist is unknown, I strongly suspect that this work depicts a scenery set along the coast of Cantabria, Spain, based on the wooden clogs worn by the man at the far left of the group. Known as Cantabrian albarcas, these clogs have stilts on the sole designed to keep the wearer elevated above mud, snow and farm waste. Also, look closely at the men: the one to the left appears older and his cane is rugged and turned; whereas, the other man seems younger, wears urban footwear not suited for coastal work, and his cane is newer and more straight. I believe the artist was depicting a generational divide exemplified by traditional vs modern styles. The older man clad in albarcas holds onto tradition, supported by a weathered, rough cane, tested by time. The younger has traded in his albarcas for leather shoes more useful on cobbled streets in cities favored by the rural young looking for something different. His cane is straight and polished, likely crafted by a machine. It and his leather shoes are symbols of the future and a promised better life. However, even the young man can't give up on all of the traditions he was born into, as reflected by the beret and his style of clothing matching the older man. He embraces the future while not totally giving up on the past (or even present). 
 
The work has the feel of a post impressionist work done by a western European artist, possibly Flemish, possibly northern Europe, possibly Frisian, possibly Breton, possibly even Finnish or Spanish. A collective artist of a collective Europe. It's a shame their name is unknown.