Peasant woman 1750 - 1799

Curator: I'm struck by the humanity in this sculpture. This is "Peasant Woman" made sometime between 1750 and 1799 by Matteo Bottigheri. Editor: Immediately, I see the heavy materials and painstaking craftsmanship. It feels quite Baroque, yet somehow grounded in a more commonplace reality. Curator: It’s currently located at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. What narratives do you think it attempts to capture, materially speaking? Editor: The medium itself, likely carved wood and carefully assembled textiles, speak volumes about the skill of artisans and the ready availability of materials for genre scenes at the time. The very construction underlines an appreciation of labour involved. The wicker basket, for example; its production alludes to regionalism, trade, perhaps even bartering. Curator: Precisely, but think about who this "peasant woman" truly is. Consider the context of gender and societal roles, what commentary might be made of this "anonymous" Black peasant woman who likely remains nameless? This raises a point about labour and dignity. Editor: I appreciate your take about Black women in this piece, how does Bottigheri's use of colour and texture highlight race? Curator: Look closely, notice how certain "baroque" elements in fashion highlight not privilege but work conditions through how the colour or material express an "earthy” yet realistic approach. This also speaks of exploitation through colonialism. How can she not represent someone not on equal social footing, right? Editor: It also represents beauty that comes out through honest toil, perhaps some pride for who she is. The Baroque, yes, but tempered by a directness reflecting that social class. But what about the purpose of such "decorative art," how did art influence consumerism at this moment? Curator: Excellent observation. Such portrayals also circulated, maybe normalized existing hierarchies that would not be there without capitalism’s cruel underbelly. It opens a much broader historical discussion. Editor: Absolutely. And ultimately it's an example that makes us question both our interpretation and the circumstances of her creation. Thank you, these discussions highlight an exciting re-thinking!