Gleaners c. 19th century

Editor: This is "Gleaners" by Flora? Reynaud, housed here at the Harvard Art Museums. I am struck by the depiction of labor and the seeming vastness of the field. What can you tell me about the piece? Curator: Looking at this print, consider the labor involved in both the gleaning depicted and the printmaking itself. Reynaud’s choice of this subject matter, and the reproducibility inherent in the medium, invite us to contemplate the social context of agricultural work. Editor: That’s an interesting perspective. I was focused on the figures themselves. Curator: What about the figures' postures, their clothing, the tools they use? Doesn't this point to a reality of work and social class? Editor: I see what you mean. Thinking about the process and materials, it reframes the image entirely! Curator: Exactly. By understanding the means of production and the social implications, we gain a deeper appreciation for the artwork.