A Rustic Couple c. 1862

Curator: Here we have Francesco Gonin’s “A Rustic Couple,” likely created around 1862. It’s currently held at the Minneapolis Institute of Art. Editor: Oh, the texture immediately gets me – you can almost feel the roughness of their clothes. Is it an oil painting? Curator: It has qualities that feel like an oil painting, but in fact, this genre piece is more than likely made of watercolor and gouache applied on paper, offering a striking realism that plays with depth in such a subtle way! Editor: Fascinating! I'm really drawn to that basket at the lower left. It seems so intentionally placed. I find it beautiful how that mundane tool used to haul goods creates such an impact and anchors the rest of the painting to something grounded, something basic to all classes. Curator: Exactly! It adds layers of narrative – and don't you think the warm color palette chosen infuses the piece with an element of nostalgia? The slight smiles hint at something sweet being shared…maybe more than just wine? Editor: True – or perhaps that simple glass represents a rare indulgence for working people, not some great love. Their red and blue clothing seems to be their Sunday best, as though that’s what signifies celebration in their means of work. Curator: Possibly, but Gonin always captures these fleeting moments with such sensitivity, doesn’t he? He elevated these mundane scenes in Italian daily life to…art. The quality of observation seems genuine; almost as if he knows his characters. Editor: Maybe he did! Though, more than just knowing, the choice to paint in this format, as well as on paper with those material characteristics... all those were a means of production. A way to show the common working people who don't have a grand home or space in formal galleries that there is elegance to be found even with rough materials. Curator: I can see that! These simple lines become brushstrokes, blending their humanity with something divine... What a curious mixture. Thank you! Editor: Thank you, it was really nice thinking of ways to look at these images beyond the obvious. I am definitely thinking of paintings beyond the pure image of beauty now.