The Harvesters (July–August) 1565

Pieter Bruegel the Elder painted "The Harvesters" on wood panel sometime during the summer months of 1565. This image, one of a series of paintings depicting the months of the year, offers a glimpse into the lives of 16th-century peasants. Bruegel's choice of subject matter elevates the everyday experiences of ordinary people, challenging the traditional art establishment that favored religious and aristocratic themes. The painting was made in what is now Belgium at a time of social upheaval, amidst religious conflicts and economic changes that had a great impact on rural communities. Bruegel's work reflects a growing interest in secular themes, and a new humanist approach, that focused on human experience. To truly understand this artwork, historians might look at harvest records, accounts of peasant life, and details of seasonal work to build up a clear picture of the social conditions that shaped Bruegel's art. By studying the social and institutional contexts, we uncover the profound ways in which art reflects and shapes the world around us.