In Tivoli 1808

Bartolomeo Pinelli made this watercolor, titled "In Tivoli," sometime in the early 19th century. It depicts a slice of Italian rural life, one that also comments on the social structures of its time. Pinelli's scene captures a moment of everyday life in Tivoli, near Rome, highlighting the roles of women and children within the community. We see women caring for children, while the men sit idly by. This image presents a view of gendered labor and social expectations that were prevalent in early 19th-century Italy. The setting, with its simple architecture and communal gathering, speaks to a close-knit social environment. To fully grasp Pinelli's work, we might turn to sources on the social history of Italy, examining details such as family structures, gender roles, and economic conditions. By placing the artwork within its specific cultural and institutional context, we gain a richer understanding of its historical significance.