Seated sheep 18th - 19th century

This Seated Sheep was created by Francesco Gallo sometime in the 1700s from terracotta, a humble material, yet handled here with superb skill. The clay has been carefully modeled to give the impression of a thick, fleecy coat, which is then painted to further enhance the effect. Look closely and you'll see the way the artisan has worked the material to create texture. Gallo has paid great attention to the sheep’s anatomy. Although an animal is a common subject, there is an undeniable sense of artistry and refinement in the depiction. Terracotta is relatively inexpensive and easy to work with, making it a popular choice for sculpture. Yet, the making of this sheep also involved a great deal of time. It speaks to the wider economic context of the 1700s, in which skilled labor was more affordable than rare materials such as marble or bronze. The piece exemplifies how an artist can elevate humble resources through skillful making, blurring the boundaries between craft and fine art.