Gleaner 1894

Jules Breton painted 'Gleaner' using oil on canvas. This image encapsulates the back-breaking labor demanded of rural women in 19th-century France. Gleaning, the act of collecting leftover crops after the harvest, was a crucial practice for the poorest members of society. Breton doesn't shy away from depicting the hardship, yet he also imbues the figure with a quiet dignity. The setting, presumably the artist's native Courrières, is rendered in soft, muted tones, adding to the overall sense of melancholy. The bare feet of the gleaner emphasizes her connection to the land and her separation from the bourgeois class. To fully understand the painting, research into 19th-century French agricultural practices and class structures would be very helpful. Breton’s ‘Gleaner’ isn't just a portrait; it's a commentary on the social realities of its time.