Departure of David the Shepherd from the House of His Father (Partenza di David pastore dalla casa paterna) 1743 - 1763

Pietro Monaco's etching, "Departure of David the Shepherd from the House of His Father" captures a biblical scene in delicate lines. The image is dominated by a sense of movement and a strong diagonal composition, leading the eye from the lower left corner towards the distant mountains. The scene depicts David’s departure, amidst a flurry of sheep and burdened figures, rendered in fine lines and subtle tonal variations. The interplay of light and shadow creates a dynamic texture, emphasizing the textures of wool and foliage. The engraver’s use of line – from the tight hatching that defines the animals to the freer strokes describing the landscape – gives depth and vitality to the scene. This work can be interpreted through semiotics, where each element — the shepherd, the sheep, the landscape — represents broader themes of guidance, innocence, and destiny. The print reflects the artistic conventions of its time while hinting at deeper philosophical inquiries. It is a detailed and formally rich engraving that invites ongoing contemplation of its artistic and cultural meanings.