Two Reclining Sheep and One Standing Sheep 1757 - 1758

"Two Reclining Sheep and One Standing Sheep" is an undated etching by Francesco Londonio, printed in black and red ink on blue paper. Londonio was working in the 18th century, a time of agricultural shifts and growing class awareness. The image presents three sheep in a pastoral setting, but it’s not merely a neutral depiction. The sheep, central to agrarian life, are rendered with a kind of melancholic tenderness, inviting us to consider the relationship between humans and animals, labor and rest. The varied poses, one standing alert while two recline, might suggest different roles within a social structure, reflecting the hierarchies present in human society. Londonio's choice to use both black and red ink adds a layer of complexity. The red could allude to the vitality of life, the blood and sweat of labor, or even the potential for sacrifice inherent in agricultural economies. By depicting these sheep with such care, Londonio prompts a consideration of the social, economic, and emotional ties that bind us to the natural world. These simple sheep are a reminder of our complex place within systems of labor, class, and the land itself.