The Sower 1940

Vela Zanetti’s 'The Sower' emerges from a palette of warm earthy tones, ochres and russets, painted with visible brushstrokes. I wonder what it was like for Zanetti to create this piece; maybe he was thinking of a legacy? The sower's weathered face and sinewy arms speak of hard labor, each stroke of paint adding texture and depth to his character. A sense of movement is created with the bag slung over his shoulder and seeds scattered in the air. I can almost feel the weight of the bag and see his hand in motion. There’s something about the gesture of planting that’s connected across time. Zanetti’s painting makes me think of Van Gogh, who was also fascinated by labourers and the land. Artists are always in conversation, aren't they? Sharing and reimagining, like seeds scattered across a field. It's a reminder that painting is a way of seeing, feeling, and thinking that unfolds with each brushstroke, leaving a lasting impression on our perception of the world.