The Contemplative Life (Vita contemplativa) c. 1883

Luigi Conconi created this etching, entitled "The Contemplative Life," but we can only guess when. Conconi lived through tumultuous times as Italy unified and modernized, a period of rapid social change which prompted many artists to look inward. At first glance, the blurred figure suggests someone in quiet communion with nature. Yet, look closer and the imagery becomes more complex. We see the figure’s shadow cast alongside a skull and withered plants. What does it mean to contemplate life in the presence of death and decay? The meditative state implied by the title could represent an internal reckoning, as traditional ways of life faded. This piece invites us to consider how we grapple with the transient nature of existence, both on a societal level and within our own personal lives.