Number II 1830

Alexandre-Gabriel Decamps created this lithograph in the 19th century. It presents a scene of Italian peasants, reflecting the Orientalist fascination prevalent in European art at the time. Decamps, like many of his contemporaries, was interested in depicting cultures that were seen as 'exotic.' This interest often came with an imposition of European perspectives, shaping how these cultures were viewed and represented. The lithograph shows a woman in traditional garb offering something to a group of men. Her image and dress are likely romanticized, which obscures the realities of peasant life. These depictions tell us more about the European gaze and its desire for the picturesque than about the Italian people themselves. Works like this invite us to consider how cultural exchange can sometimes reinforce stereotypes and power imbalances.