Mondine in Risaia by Sandro Negri

Provenance:
Private Collection, Toronto

A mondina is a seasonal rice paddy worker, prominent in Northern Italy's Po Valley from the late 19th century to the first half of the 20th century. The workers primarily weeded rice fields during flooding of the fields from April to June and tansplanted delicate rice shoots to protect them from fluctuating temperatures and weather conditions. Carried out by mostly women and poor working class individuals, the work was grueling and led to rebellious uprisings of workers resisting long hours and low wages. In 1909, the demands of works were finally satisfied when working hours were required to be restricted to eight hours. In popular culture, the stories of these workers and events were displayed in literature and film and helped influence political movements in Italy.

Negri was born in the village of Virgilio, near the city of Mantovam in the Po River Valley and grew up living in largely agrarian villages during the postwar years with his family. His upbringing coupled with his interest in his homeland inspired Negri in his artistic practice to depict the everyday work and people of the region.