Lago Di Albano 1825

Sylvester Shchedrin painted this tranquil oil on canvas of Lago di Albano, sometime before his death in 1830. It offers us a glimpse into the lives and landscapes of early 19th-century Italy, seen through the eyes of a Russian artist. The painting invites reflection on the experience of women within its historical context, as we see women at the lake shore. Their presence encourages us to think about gendered spaces and social roles. While Shchedrin captures the Italian landscape, he also subtly includes the human element, inviting us to consider the lives of the people who inhabit this space. The family on the right, the women in the center: are they enjoying the peace? Are they there to work? Lago di Albano is more than just a landscape; it is a mirror reflecting the society and culture of its time. It presents an opportunity to reflect on our own relationship with the natural world and the people who share it with us.