Harvesteres Resting

Jean-Francois Millet was born on the 4th of October in the year 1814 and died on the 20th of January 1875. He was a renowned French painter, and he was one of the co-founders of the famous Barbizon school of art back in the rural parts of France. The artist is well known for painting several scenes of agricultural laborers and farmers. Because of his choice of scenery, Miller is categorized as one of the best ever Realism art movement members. Jean was the firstborn to parents who were members of a farming group within the village of Gruchy, in Normandy near the coastal parts. He was helped by two priests from his town to gain an understanding of Latin language and culture. However, he later went with his father to assist him in his farm works. Therefore, Miller was familiar with how to farm activities that were carried out, including how to harvest, make hay, binding of sheaves, winnowing, sowing, among other activities on the farm. This was an inspiration for his painting, Harvesters Resting. His first painting was submitted and accepted at the Salon of 1840 before returning to Cherbourg, where he began his career as a Realism art painter. Harvesters Resting painting was done in the year 1853. The artists applied the oil on canvas technique to depict his creativity. The painting manifests a biblical allusion about Ruth and Boaz. It is made of male and female individuals, some of whom are sited; others are lying down, whereas two of them, a male and female, are standing. The painting further shows huge harvests that have ladders beside them. The state of the individuals in the painting depicts that they are tired and as they have been harvesting. Given the sun rays as depicted in the painting, they appear to be weak and in a resting mode. Additionally, the vast stacks of harvest behind them depict the hard work that the labourers exhibit in their works as they seek to meet their daily needs. The painting measures 26 1/2 by 47 1/8 inches. Theme and style of the painting The painting embraces realism and naturalism styles. The setting depicts an open field and, as such, fits in the natural environment. Also, considering harvesting is a chore associated with the human environment, this is a form of reality. Besides, the theme of the painting is socialism as it showcases different individuals who come together to accomplish a common goal, which is harvesting. This elicits the unity of the peasants as they laboured in the owner of the plantations.