Interior of a Stable with Horses (Interno di stalla con cavalli) 1885

Giovanni Fattori created this etching, "Interior of a Stable with Horses," capturing a slice of rural life. But beyond the barnyard scene lies a commentary on Italy's shifting social landscape in the 19th century. Fattori, associated with the Macchiaioli group, moved away from academic conventions, portraying everyday scenes with a stark realism. Look at the rough textures and the unidealized depiction of the animals, reflective of a broader artistic turn toward subjects drawn from ordinary life. Made during a time of political upheaval and social change in Italy, this work resonates with the era’s focus on regional identity and the lives of the working class. Fattori’s choice to depict the interior of a stable also highlights the economic underpinnings of Italian society at the time, where agriculture still held considerable weight. Delving into the archives of the period, including agricultural reports and social surveys, helps us to understand the artist's possible intentions and the work’s cultural resonance. Art like this can offer insights into the complex interplay between art, society, and historical context.