Druivenplukster 1792 - 1801

Parfait Augrand produced this print of a grape picker sometime in the late 18th or early 19th century. Although seemingly simple, this image speaks volumes about the cultural and social values of its time. Made in France, this print presents us with a curious blend of classicism and contemporary society. The woman's attire, reminiscent of ancient Greek or Roman garb, contrasts sharply with the title of the artwork 'La Vendangeuse' or the grape picker. This juxtaposition creates a tension between the idealized and the real, inviting us to question the social conditions of the time. Is this an attempt to ennoble the labor of grape harvesting by associating it with classical virtues? Or is it a commentary on the distance between the elite and the working class? To answer these questions we might look into popular imagery, fashion and literature of the era. The history of art is deeply enmeshed with broader socio-political trends.