Hills in Settignano 1885

Telemaco Signorini painted 'Hills in Settignano' in oils, likely in the latter half of the 19th century. It evokes a rural Italian scene, but it also subtly engages with the evolving social landscape of its time. The work captures a young girl seated against a stone wall, set against a backdrop of rolling hills. Signorini, associated with the Macchiaioli group, often used painting en plein air to connect with contemporary social realities. His choice of subject matter and style often reflected the transformations in Italian society during the Risorgimento. During this period, institutions like the art academies were in flux, as artists began to explore everyday life and local landscapes in a move away from the grand historical narratives. Signorini's choice to depict a solitary young girl amidst the backdrop of Settignano offers a glimpse into the lives of ordinary people, inviting us to consider the social conditions that shaped their experiences. Examining Signorini’s work through archival research, considering the social and artistic movements of his time, helps us better understand the narrative embedded within the artwork.