Neapolitan Shepherd 1758

Curator: This engraving, "Neapolitan Shepherd," was created by Jean Daullé in 1758. It's currently housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The medium used here is fascinating; the fine lines creating this scene of rustic life are achieved through the meticulous process of engraving. Editor: My first thought is one of subdued romanticism. The composition, though meticulously detailed, creates a melancholic atmosphere. I find myself drawn to the crumbling structure in the distance, a symbol of time's passage. Curator: Absolutely. It's more than just aesthetic; look at the way the pastoral scene is constructed. Daullé’s technique shows mastery over materials. The varying line weights communicate the textures of the landscape, giving an impression of depth. The print was produced serially; copies would have been spread throughout Europe, consumed like the stories they told of an idealized life far removed from the cities. Editor: And it feeds into the imagery, too. That lone shepherd with his staff. Are we to see him as a wanderer, perhaps, a stand-in for humanity’s relationship with nature? The stream seems to bisect civilization as represented in the distance. The bridge almost forms a boundary. Curator: Interesting point about the symbolism, but consider also the political context. The labor that would have been necessary for this image to be printed is substantial. An artist doesn’t only produce images. In fact, they support communities. The creation of these idyllic prints supported networks of artisans and trade during this time, even though these bucolic images obscure any overt depiction of labor or socio-economic relations. Editor: A useful counterpoint to my initial, perhaps sentimental, interpretation. It seems images can tell multiple truths, hiding as much as they reveal, often with intentional design and with both labor and history written into its meaning. The arc of symbolism and the context of material certainly offer an evolving understanding of the artwork.