Church of San Vitale 

Achille Pinelli painted this watercolor of the Church of San Vitale in the 19th century, amidst a period of significant social and political change in Italy. Pinelli captures a scene that seems to be an everyday occurrence at the church. On the left, we see men carrying what appears to be a large amount of dead turkeys. To the right, church members are entering the Church. Italy at this time was known for its deep class divides. Pinelli shows us a scene in which these divides do not seem to be there; each group of people seems to be in their own world, despite being in the same space. Pinelli seems to be suggesting something about the space of the Church. This portrayal invites us to consider the church not just as a religious institution but as a social stage where different segments of society converge. The watercolor's enduring appeal lies in its ability to capture a moment of everyday life, rich with unspoken stories and social dynamics, set against the backdrop of a changing world.