Erminia and the Shepherd 1620

Guercino painted this scene with oil on canvas. It depicts Erminia with a shepherd, drawing on an epic poem, and is a great example of Baroque painting. Look at how Guercino has constructed the contrast between Erminia and the shepherd. His armor reflects wealth and power, while the shepherd is depicted as a craftsman, sitting barefoot, weaving a basket. He’s using traditional, hand-making skills, a stark contrast to the armor that is a symbol of industrial production. The way the painting highlights the act of making, with the shepherd's labor-intensive weaving, invites us to think about social class and the dignity of labor. The attention to detail of the weave, the natural material of the basket, and the worn-out state of the old man's garments, serve as reminders of the material conditions that determine social roles. Guercino thus challenges distinctions between high art and craft, offering a commentary on social disparities and the value of skilled labor.