The Reaping Machine 1860

This print, titled "The Reaping Machine," was made by Charles-François Daubigny using etching. The delicate lines you see were created by drawing through a waxy ground on a metal plate, which was then bathed in acid to bite the design into the surface. The scene depicts a mechanized threshing machine at work, a symbol of the industrial revolution’s impact on agricultural labor. Look at the figures: some are operating the machine, while others still use hand tools. This contrast highlights the transition from traditional methods to new technologies. The print's lines capture the textures of the haystacks and the machine's bulky form, emphasizing the weight and scale of this new technology. Daubigny’s choice of etching, a relatively democratic printmaking method, makes this image accessible. It invites us to consider the social and economic shifts brought about by industrialization, and its effects on both labor and landscape. This artwork blurs the boundaries between fine art and social commentary.