Herdsmen c. 1885

"Herdsmen" is an etching by the Italian artist Giovanni Fattori, a leading figure in the Macchiaioli movement. Created around 1885, the artwork depicts two men, likely shepherds, in a simple, yet expressive style. Fattori's signature can be seen in the bottom right corner, adding authenticity to this piece. This etching, currently housed at the Art Institute of Chicago, is a testament to Fattori's talent for capturing the essence of everyday life through his skillful use of line and shading. The composition's realism and the artist's focus on simple subjects reflect the Macchiaioli's interest in depicting the everyday world with honesty and directness.