Old Man Leaning against a Sack after 1767

Francesco Londonio created this print, "Old Man Leaning against a Sack," sometime in the 18th century using etching, a process of using acid to create lines in a metal plate. The material of the print itself allows for a detailed representation of the scene. Look closely, and you can observe the tired droop of the donkey’s head, the careful placement of each piece of produce in the basket, and the rough texture of the sack. The lines of the etching create a range of textures and tonal values, from the soft fur of the dog to the hard surface of the rocks. Londonio was fascinated by the lives of ordinary people. The pastoral scene depicts an old man resting, his day labor done. This image, multiplied through the etching process, could be distributed widely and consumed by a broad audience. Londonio elevated the life and labor of the common person, inviting viewers to appreciate the beauty of the everyday.