Artwork
The Last Days of Harvest
The Last Days of Harvest is an ink print by the Impressionist artist American 19th Century. It dates from 1873 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
The work is a black‑and‑white wood engraving titled “The Last Days of Harvest.” It depicts a rural scene at the close of the harvest season, focusing on a group of farmworkers engaged in the final tasks of gathering and processing corn.
Subject & Meaning
In the foreground a woman shells corn by hand, surrounded by scattered ears, while another woman leans over the stalks. A man stands on a wagon holding a bundle, and a horse rests beneath a tree. The composition emphasizes the labor‑intensive nature of late‑season agricultural work and the communal effort required to complete the harvest.
Technique & Style
The artist employed the fine line work and cross‑hatching typical of 19th‑century wood engraving, using delicate strokes to render the texture of clothing, the grain of the cornstalks, and the surface of the horse’s coat. The tonal gradations are achieved through careful shading, creating depth within the monochrome medium.
Context
Wood engraving was a prevalent method for reproducing images in books and periodicals during the era, valued for its capacity to convey detailed scenes in black and white. The depiction of agrarian labor reflects contemporary interest in rural life and the social importance of agriculture.
Artist & collection
Artist
This artist painted everyday American life in the 1800s. Look at *Farmhouse in Mahantango Valley*—a quiet, sunlit scene of rural Pennsylvania. *Boy and Girl* shows two children standing close, their faces turned toward…
