La via del fuoco 1881

Telemaco Signorini painted ‘La via del fuoco’ with oil on board to capture a street scene in Florence. Signorini was a member of the Macchiaioli movement which was noted for painting en plein air. The painting presents a view into the daily lives of ordinary Florentines, focusing on those who lived in the poorer neighborhoods of the city. It gives us a glimpse of the experiences of the working class. The coal shop suggests the necessity of labor for survival, and the presence of women and children implies their participation in this struggle. We don't know their stories but it makes us ask: what was their day like? What were their struggles? Signorini, through his painting, invites us to reflect on our shared humanity. It is a reminder that art has the power to connect us across time and space, fostering empathy and understanding.