Sheaves of Rye 1913

Auguste-Louis Lepère created this print, Sheaves of Rye, using etching in the late 19th or early 20th century. The scene is a field with two large haystacks either side of a tree. A figure lies in the foreground. It’s a rural scene that speaks to the political ideologies of the period. Lepère was a printmaker and painter known for his commitment to social and political causes. The late 19th century in France was a time of significant social change, with the rise of industrialization and urbanization challenging traditional rural ways of life. Artists like Lepère often depicted rural scenes as a way to critique the alienating effects of modernity and celebrate the values of the working class. Lepère’s style was influenced by the Barbizon school, which sought to capture the beauty of the French countryside. Historians can use sources like newspapers, political pamphlets, and exhibition reviews to understand the social context of this print. Considering these factors helps us to appreciate the role of art as a reflection of its time.