Raccolta. / Moisson. / Ernte. / Harvest. / Oogst 1829 - 1880

This colourful print by Joseph Scholz depicts a scene of agricultural life. At its heart lies the archetypal symbol of the harvest, laden with meaning. In ancient times, harvests were intrinsically linked to cycles of life, death, and rebirth. Note how the family rests by the tree, itself a motif with deep roots in many cultures, symbolizing growth, stability, and interconnectedness. Consider the golden wheat, embodying fertility and abundance, echoing images of Ceres or Demeter, goddesses of agriculture. This motif transcends time, recurring in art and ritual from antiquity to the present. Think of Van Gogh's wheat fields; these are visual echoes resonating across time. But see, too, how such images carry a potent emotional charge. The harvest not only represents physical sustenance, but it also touches on our collective longing for security. We see how the hope and anxiety around securing food and survival still have a hold on our psyche. This scene captures a moment of respite; a visual reminder of the eternal dance between humans and nature.