Attending Mass, Rome 1875

Antonio Piccinni created this etching titled ‘Attending Mass, Rome’ in 1875. Piccinni lived in a time of significant political and social change in Italy, including the unification of the country and the decline of the Papal States' power. The work captures a row of people seated during a Catholic mass. The composition seems to explore the theme of social stratification. The arrangement, with figures neatly aligned, emphasizes the communal aspect of religious practice, yet it also subtly hints at the diverse social positions occupied by the attendees. The women on the left are physically separated from the men. The women’s attire, in contrast to the men's suits, quietly speaks to the gendered expectations of the time. The sepia tones and the delicate lines add an emotional depth, inviting contemplation on themes of faith, community, and individual identity. The work develops a narrative around the personal and collective experience of religious observance, suggesting that even in moments of shared ritual, individual identities and societal roles persist.