Shepherd Playing the Flute c. 18th century

Curator: I find this pastoral scene quite charming! There's a definite air of tranquility. Editor: Yes, it’s interesting how Londonio portrays idealized rural life, masking the socio-economic realities of the time. Curator: Indeed. This is Francesco Londonio's, Shepherd Playing the Flute, he was very interested in the realities of rural life. Londonio lived from 1723 to 1783. Editor: The flute player seems disconnected. Is his music a form of escapism or an expression of dominance over nature? Are we meant to be critical or accepting of his actions? Curator: Londonio was part of a movement that romanticized the simple life. Perhaps the flute playing here is to convey a certain nostalgia. Editor: Perhaps a nostalgia that conveniently ignores the struggles of the working class, then and now. Curator: It’s all about how the rural life was seen in the 1700's. Editor: Right! We get to grapple with these complicated histories.