Cavalier and Shepherd 1747 - 1802

Francesco Casanova painted "Cavalier and Shepherd" in the 18th century using oil on canvas. Casanova, who was Venetian, painted battle scenes and landscapes. Here, he presents us with a staged encounter between a mounted soldier and a shepherd. Notice the shepherd’s hat in his hand, a gesture of respect towards the Cavalier. Casanova uses clothing to denote social position, the garb of the shepherd is rustic and worn, where the Cavalier’s riding coat is of a fine red wool. Interestingly, the Cavalier gestures away from the viewer and towards the horizon, as if commanding something unseen. While seemingly a benign pastoral scene, Casanova subtly comments on the social hierarchies of the time, between the working class and the military. The painting also evokes questions about power and authority. Who is the Cavalier and why is the Shepherd compelled to acknowledge him? "Cavalier and Shepherd" makes us think about the subtle power dynamics at play within seemingly bucolic landscapes.