An artwork on Galleree from The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About the artwork
The HarvestersPieter Bruegel the Elder
Netherlandish, Breda (?) ca. 1525–1569 Brussels
1565
Overall, including added strips at top, bottom, and right, 46 7/8 x 63 3/4 in. (119 x 162 cm); original painted surface 45 7/8 x 62 7/8 in. (116.5 x 159.5 cm)
Painting
Oil on wood
European Paintings
Rogers Fund, 1919
Pieter Bruegel the Elder’s "The Harvesters" captures a serene moment in rural life, depicting a late summer day in the countryside. The scene is filled with golden fields of wheat, stretching out under a gentle sky.
Farmers are engaged in the age-old task of harvesting, each figure absorbed in their work. To the left, one man bends low, carefully cutting the wheat stalks. Nearby, a group of laborers takes a break, sharing a simple meal, while laughter and camaraderie fill the air. Their clothing, simple yet functional, reflects their dedication to the land and their toil.
The tree in the center stands tall, offering shade and a sense of stability amidst the labor. In the background, rolling hills and distant towns suggest a thriving rural landscape, connecting the workers to the wider world.
Bruegel's brushwork serves to unite these elements, creating a tapestry of everyday life that celebrates both the beauty and the hard work of the harvest. The painting invites viewers to reflect on the harmony between nature and human activity, finding peace in the cycle of life.
About the artist
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