Lezende soldaat 1835 - 1908

Giovanni Fattori created this etching titled 'Lezende soldaat', or 'Reading Soldier' which depicts a soldier lying in the grass reading a book. Fattori lived during a time of significant political and social change in Italy, including the Risorgimento, a movement for Italian unification. Fattori, a patriot, used his art to explore themes of military life and national identity. He was a Macchiaioli painter, who aimed to capture the essence of a scene through patches of colour and light, rather than focusing on detailed depictions. What I think is particularly striking about this piece is how it juxtaposes the harsh realities of military service with the quiet intimacy of reading. Is the soldier momentarily transported to another place? Does it offer him a sense of escape or solace amid the rigors of war? Ultimately, this etching invites us to contemplate the experiences of individuals caught in the midst of historical events. It suggests the intimate and personal moments that persist, even amidst broader social and political upheaval.