Harvest of Grapes, plate two of four from Le Travaux de la Vendange 1750

"Harvest of Grapes" is a black and white etching from Joseph Marie Vien’s 1750 series "Le Travaux de la Vendange," which depicts the laborious process of grape harvesting. This particular plate, the second of four, features numerous figures engaged in the harvest, from picking grapes from the vine to sorting and storing them. The intricate detail of the figures and the landscape highlights the laborious and rewarding nature of this seasonal task, offering a glimpse into 18th century French rural life. The etching is a prime example of the Rococo style, which flourished during the 18th century. It is currently housed at the Art Institute of Chicago.