Stable Interior: Herder Resting with Sheep, Cow, Goats and Dog n.d.

Andrea di Lione created this drawing, Stable Interior: Herder Resting with Sheep, Cow, Goats and Dog, using red chalk. Born in Naples, Italy, di Lione came of age during a period marked by significant social stratification and economic disparities. In this drawing, the artist presents a pastoral scene, offering a glimpse into the lives of those who lived off the land. We see a herder, presumably a man, resting alongside his animals. This cozy scene, however, has a tension to it. The herder’s labor is apparent, yet his presence is somewhat detached. The composition invites us to reflect on the relationship between humans and nature, labor and leisure, and the socio-economic realities of the 17th century. Consider this drawing as a statement on social structures, a commentary on class, and the artist’s attempt to capture the essence of rural existence.