Cavalry Soldier (Soldato di cavalleria) 1880 - 1885

Curator: We’re looking at "Cavalry Soldier," or "Soldato di cavalleria," an etching by Giovanni Fattori, likely created between 1880 and 1885. Editor: The soldier seems lost in thought. The print has an ethereal quality that pulls me in; there is an overriding sense of melancholy in its desolate landscape. Curator: That desolation resonates with a crucial point of inquiry for Fattori; he sought to portray the plight of soldiers after the Italian unification, grappling with the trauma and disillusionment following conflict. His art sought to humanize the figures that popular patriotic discourse overlooked. Editor: So the horse, then, might not simply be a mode of transportation, but perhaps a symbol of the burdens carried—loyalty, duty, service—themes often attributed to that noble animal. The landscape seems to bear traces of conflict, echoing in the emotional interior of the rider himself. Curator: Exactly. Look closely, and you see that Fattori made several of these soldier prints and drawings, many depicting solitary figures on horseback against minimalist landscapes, inviting us to meditate on broader themes of nationhood, duty, and the lived realities of the ordinary soldier in the new Italy. The lack of glory underscores his intent to portray war's bleak consequences. Editor: What’s compelling is the psychological weight this imagery accrues over time. A lone rider always seems to convey a sense of vulnerability, yet also latent strength, like a promise—or threat—of future action. It feels very relevant to modern audiences who reflect upon their own times of upheaval. Curator: The artist invites us to recognize these universal echoes of human experience—resilience in the face of difficulty and change. I believe this piece allows for continued interpretation that brings with it a fresh and lasting relevance. Editor: I agree; in Fattori's work, symbols serve to prompt questions rather than providing easy answers. The quiet unease conveyed within "Cavalry Soldier" remains deeply impactful.