Harvest 1785

George Stubbs created "Harvest" using oil on canvas, capturing a rural scene. His process, though traditional, is fascinating because of how it touches on the social fabric of his time. Stubbs was known for his meticulous depictions of animals, but here, he turns his eye to human labor. Notice the contrast: the workers are bent and toiling, while the landowners stand upright, almost ornamental. The painting isn't just about the harvest itself, but about the people involved in its production, and how they relate to one another. The very act of painting with oils – a costly material – elevates the scene, but it also subtly highlights the class differences inherent in the work being done. The smooth finish and careful detail, hallmarks of fine art, frame the social context of agricultural life, asking us to consider the labor and class dynamics that underpinned even the most picturesque landscapes. Ultimately, Stubbs prompts us to consider the value of work, and who benefits from it.