Cider c. 1864

"Cider" (c. 1864) by Pierre Puvis de Chavannes is a classic example of the artist's symbolist style. The painting depicts a scene of rural life, with figures engaged in the harvest and production of cider. The soft, muted colors and simplified forms create a sense of tranquility and timelessness, while the figures' simple clothing and lack of individuality emphasize their collective role in the cycle of nature. Chavannes was known for his large-scale, decorative paintings that celebrated the beauty of nature and the dignity of human labor.