Peasant Sleeping on the Ground c. 18th century

Curator: Here we have Pellegrino dal Colle’s "Peasant Sleeping on the Ground." Dal Colle was active in the later part of the 18th century. Editor: This sepia-toned print certainly evokes a sense of exhausted repose; the shepherd is sprawled out, utterly spent. It's fascinating to observe the material conditions that lead to such a state. Curator: The image is interesting because it romanticizes peasant life, but it also displays the material reality of it. It was intended for elite audiences, but also served a sociopolitical role. Editor: I'm drawn to the labor made visible here, from the shepherd's spent posture to the laden donkey, not to mention the artist's hand in creating this image. Curator: The printing process allowed for wider distribution. Though consumed by wealthier audiences, it does begin the discussion of labor representation in imagery. Editor: It is the consumption of such a piece by the elite that perhaps perpetuates the division of labor and the unequal distribution of its rewards. Food for thought.