Man and Woman from the Village of Сhieuti Albanesi in the Province of Lucera di Puglia (Apulia)

The work is from the Neapolitan series. A similar composition in a square frame has been known since 1816. It is nearly the only Pinelli’s composition associated with the Apulia region. In the foreground, a seller of spoons and other household items is depicted. He is walking along the coast with his modest goods. A young woman in traditional Neapolitan clothing (a blue and yellow dress with bows on the shoulders, a long skirt, and an apron with ornaments) approaches him. Her head is completely covered with a wide headscarf. The sea depicted in the background is likely very windy. The young salesman covered his shoulder with a blue cloak over a red jacket. He is wearing knee-length trousers; dark bast shoes on puttees (leg wraps) resembling ciocie; on his head is a wide-brimmed black hat. The woman has already chosen a purchase – small tongs she holds in her hand. The action is taking place on a hill above the Adriatic Sea coast. A few strokes in the distance on the left outline a sailboat. In the background, the green crowns of coastal trees are seen between the blue sea strip and the hill.
Сhieuti Albanesi is one of two villages on the Apennine Peninsula; it was founded by Albanians who escaped Turkish persecution in the 15th century. It is located on the border of two regions, Apulia and Molise.

In the lower left corner, there is the author's signature Pinelli f written in italics, date – 1816, and some illegible inscriptions. In the centre of the engraving, under the image, is the work's title Uomo, e Donna del Paese di Сhieuti Albanesi, Provincia Lucera di Puglia. The number "50" is in the upper right corner above the plate.

Borys Voznytskyi Lviv National Art Gallery