Old Shepherd Sitting and Sleeping c. 18th century

Editor: This print, "Old Shepherd Sitting and Sleeping," is by Pellegrino dal Colle. I'm struck by the shepherd's posture, a mix of weariness and resignation. What do you see in this piece, especially considering the social context of the time? Curator: I see a commentary on the romanticized view of rural life versus its harsh realities. Dal Colle captures the fatigue etched on the shepherd’s face, contrasting sharply with the ideal of pastoral bliss often depicted by the aristocracy. How does this resonate with contemporary issues of labor and class? Editor: It definitely makes me think about the exploitation of labor and the invisibility of certain workers even today. Thanks for pointing that out. Curator: Precisely. Art like this can challenge us to confront uncomfortable truths about social inequalities, both past and present. It is a powerful tool for activism.