Standing sheep 1750 - 1799

Nicola Vassallo made this terracotta sculpture of a standing sheep sometime in the late 18th or early 19th century, a period of immense change across Europe. Looking at this work, consider the role of agriculture in Neapolitan society at that time. Sheep farming was a key part of the rural economy. Figures like this may have been commissioned to celebrate agricultural wealth. The detailed rendering of the sheep's wool suggests a close observation of nature, reflecting the influence of Enlightenment ideals on artistic practice. The sculpture's relatively small size raises questions about its intended function and audience. Was it a decorative object for a wealthy landowner, or perhaps a model for students learning the art of sculpture? To fully understand the artwork, we need to consider the social and economic context in which it was produced. Researching the history of agriculture and artistic patronage in Naples during this period might reveal how this seemingly simple sculpture speaks to broader social and cultural trends.