Artwork

A Harvest Scene with Straw Hats Lying in a Field

A Harvest Scene with Straw Hats Lying in a Field, by Heinrich Carl Reinhold, ink, 1816
A Harvest Scene with Straw Hats Lying in a Field, by Heinrich Carl Reinhold, ink, 1816

A Harvest Scene with Straw Hats Lying in a Field is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Heinrich Carl Reinhold. It dates from 1816 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

A Harvest Scene with Straw Hats Lying in a Field is an etching on wove paper by Heinrich Carl Reinhold, dating to circa 1816. The work is part of the collection at the National Gallery of Art in Washington.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a serene rural scene. In the foreground, several straw hats are partially submerged in grass, with a lone figure kneeling nearby, possibly collecting more hats. The distant landscape features a winding river, scattered buildings, and trees under a lightly clouded sky.

Technique & Style

Reinhold employed fine lines to achieve a three-dimensional effect, particularly in the textures of the straw hats and grass. This approach was characteristic of etching, a process involving ink scratched into metal plates.

History & Provenance

Created around 1816, the etching is now held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C.

Context

The scene reflects a tranquil, idyllic view of rural life during the early 19th century, emphasizing everyday moments over dramatic narrative.

Legacy

While specific influence or widespread recognition of this piece is not broadly documented, it contributes to the broader understanding of early 19th-century etching techniques and pastoral themes in art.

Artist & collection

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.