The Blessing of the Wheat in Artois (study) 1857

"The Blessing of the Wheat in Artois (study)" is a painting by Jules Breton from 1857 that depicts a religious procession in the French countryside. The painting shows a group of people walking through a field of wheat, led by a priest carrying a red canopy. The scene captures a moment of rural life and religious devotion. The painting, like many of Breton's works, emphasizes the connection between the people and their land, as well as the importance of faith in their lives. The study serves as a preparatory sketch for the larger, final version of the work, allowing viewers to see Breton's initial ideas and composition.