Village c. 18th century

Editor: This is "Village" by Marco Ricci. It's an etching, a technique I'm not too familiar with. The scene is quite pastoral, but also feels a little staged. What symbols jump out at you in this piece? Curator: The trees, certainly. Notice how they frame the figures and village beyond. Trees in art often represent life, growth, but also knowledge and protection. Do you see how they seem to guard the figures beneath? Editor: Yes, now that you mention it, it does feel very deliberate. I wonder what Ricci wanted to convey about rural life versus city life in this piece. Curator: Perhaps he saw a deeper, more grounded existence in the village, sheltered by tradition and nature itself. The symbols invite us to contemplate what truly sustains us. Editor: I never would have thought of the trees as guardians. I'll definitely look at landscapes differently now.