Pastoral Scene, Oil On Panel, Italy (1770-1790)

This idyllic Italian oil painting depicts an Italian goat herder and his family taking a break in the countryside. The proud father shows a lamb to his infant son, while the mother looks on fondly. In her hair, she wears a garland of flowers. The family's costume, the style, and the overall condition of the work allow us to date this painting to the last quarter of the 18th century. This idealized depiction of Italian rural life was particularly popular among elite young men from Western Europe who visited classical monuments. Such extensive travel was considered an essential part of their education. These trips also provided an opportunity to temporarily escape the constraints of upper social circles. While wealthier young people purchased rare antiques as souvenirs, most travelers sent somewhat less spectacular gifts back to their home countries. This painting, of which several copies are known, is a good example and constitutes a kind of postcard avant la lettre. This immediately explains the highly idealized nature of the work.Conservation condition: The painting and frame are in good condition. On the back of the panel, there is a scratch that extends to the front of the work but is not really bothersome. We refer to the photographs of the work which are an integral part of this description.