Italienske Bønder 1880 - 1881

This is an undated print called Italienske Bønder, or Italian Farmers, by an anonymous artist. It depicts two men seated at a table playing cards, one smoking a pipe. The scene evokes questions about Italian identity and the rural working class. Who were these men? What were their lives like in the late 19th or early 20th century, given the clothing? Were they local to the area, or migrant workers? Card games often represent the negotiation of power dynamics and social interactions, especially within marginalized groups. This scene reflects a moment of leisure, but also hints at the socio-economic realities of rural life. The artist captures a personal moment with sensitivity. The anonymous nature of the artist and the lack of identifying characteristics in the figures invite viewers to project their own interpretations, engaging with broader themes of identity and belonging.