Silvestro Lega, painting at Riva al Mare 1867

Giovanni Fattori painted "Silvestro Lega, painting at Riva al Mare" with oil on panel. It is a modest-sized work that speaks volumes about the changing social landscape of 19th-century Italy. The painting depicts Lega outdoors, painting, shielded by an umbrella. Fattori and Lega were both part of the Macchiaioli group. This movement marks a shift in Italian art towards realism and plein air painting, breaking away from academic traditions. The Macchiaioli were active during the tumultuous period of Italian unification. Their focus on everyday life and landscapes can be seen as a subtle commentary on national identity, moving away from historical or mythological subjects that had dominated Italian art. Understanding the context of Italian unification and the rise of new artistic movements is crucial to interpreting this painting. Historical archives, artists' letters, and exhibition reviews can further illuminate the social and institutional dynamics that shaped Fattori's artistic vision.