A Shepherd and a Dog and a Sleeping Pilgrim c. 18th century

Editor: Here we have Luigi Crespi's "A Shepherd and a Dog and a Sleeping Pilgrim," a lovely brown ink drawing. I'm struck by the everyday nature of it. What can you tell me about it? Curator: Consider the paper, the ink, and the hand that applied them. This wasn't a scene of leisure for its subjects, but part of the labor of representation for Crespi. How might his social standing affect his material choices and artistic practices? Editor: So, you're suggesting that the drawing materials themselves and the act of creating the piece reflect a broader social and economic context? Curator: Precisely. Think of the shepherd's labor versus the artist's, both creating value in different ways. This makes me rethink the romanticism. Editor: That’s a very thought-provoking way to look at it. Thanks.