Leete Farm, West Claremont, New Hampshire 1819 - 1822

Francis Alexander captured Leete Farm in West Claremont, New Hampshire, an expansive agrarian scene. The haystacks dotting the field in the foreground are symbols not merely of harvest, but of human labor and the cycles of nature that dictate life. This motif of orderly haystacks recurs across various eras, seen even in medieval tapestries depicting pastoral life, each time bearing witness to man's complex relationship with the land. Haystacks evoke a sense of rhythmic work, of preparation for the winter months, and an almost primal connection to the earth. Think of Van Gogh's golden wheat fields, a visceral, sun-drenched expression of life's abundance. Over time, the haystack has become a signifier of rural stability, even as it also embodies a deep-seated anxiety about scarcity. This arrangement evokes a sense of stability, promising sustenance through the coming seasons. The painting is a cultural and psychological testament, reflecting our enduring fascination with the land that sustains us, a connection that resonates deeply within our collective memory.