Oxen and Wagon (Maremma) 1886 - 1887

Giovanni Fattori made this print, Oxen and Wagon (Maremma), with etching. The Maremma is a coastal region of Italy, known for its agriculture. Fattori often depicted rural life, reflecting a broader artistic interest in capturing the essence of Italian identity through its landscapes and people. This image creates meaning through its depiction of everyday life: the oxen, the wagon piled high with hay, and the vast, open landscape evoke the agrarian lifestyle. Made in 19th-century Italy, the print reflects the social and economic structures of the time, where agriculture was a dominant force. Italy was undergoing significant social and political changes. Artists like Fattori sought to capture a sense of national identity through the depiction of rural life and landscapes, and his art comments on the social structures of his time. As historians, we can look at the influence of regionalism and the impact of the Risorgimento on artistic production. Understanding these factors helps us appreciate the significance of this art as a reflection of Italy's social and institutional context.