Artwork

Seated Shepherd Boy and Woman Giving a Drink to a Child

Seated Shepherd Boy and Woman Giving a Drink to a Child, by Francesco Londonio, ink, 1770
Seated Shepherd Boy and Woman Giving a Drink to a Child, by Francesco Londonio, ink, 1770

Seated Shepherd Boy and Woman Giving a Drink to a Child is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Francesco Londonio. It dates from 1770 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Seated Shepherd Boy and Woman Giving a Drink to a Child is an etching with white heightening on blue laid paper, created by Italian artist Francesco Londonio in 1770. This print exemplifies Londonio's focus on pastoral and rustic genre scenes.

Subject & Meaning

The etching portrays a serene rural scene: a seated shepherd boy, simply attired and holding a staff, and a woman in a long dress tenderly offering a cup to a child. The interaction conveys a sense of everyday, gentle human connection within a natural setting.

Technique & Style

Londonio employed etching with white heightening to achieve a soft, dreamy quality. The composition features harmonious figure arrangement and soothing lines, contributing to an overall atmosphere of calm and tranquility.

History & Provenance

Created in 1770, the work reflects Londonio's training under notable mentors (Ferdinando Porta, Giovanni Battista Sassi, and Benigno Bossi) and his popularity among Northern Italy's wealthy patrons. Provenance details are not specified.

Context

Part of the late-Baroque to Rococo transition, this piece aligns with the era's interest in pastoral themes. Londonio's travels to Rome and Naples may have influenced his depiction of serene, idyllic landscapes.

Legacy

While specific legacy details are not provided, the piece remains a characteristic example of Londonio's pastoral genre work, appreciated for its peaceful ambiance and harmonious composition.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Francesco Londonio

Artist

Francesco Londonio

Francesco Londonio (1723–1783) was an Italian painter, engraver, and scenographer, active mainly in his native Milan in a late-Baroque or Rococo style.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.