Reapers in the age and Ceres 

Rafael Zabaleta painted "Reapers in the age and Ceres" to represent the lives of rural workers in mid-20th century Spain. In this work, the artist mixes social commentary with a classical reference. On the one hand, the painting depicts laborers engaged in the harvest. On the other, we see a rendering of Ceres, the Roman goddess of agriculture, presiding over the scene. This juxtaposition highlights the timelessness of agricultural labor, and at the same time reminds us of its social conditions. Zabaleta was committed to social realism, an artistic movement that sought to depict the everyday lives of working-class people, often with the goal of promoting social change. The figure of Ceres, a symbol of abundance, contrasts with the harsh realities of rural life in post-war Spain, marked by poverty and inequality. To fully understand this painting, scholars consult historical records, economic data, and cultural studies of rural Spain during this period. Through interdisciplinary research, we can better appreciate the layers of meaning embedded in Zabaleta's art.