The Fruits of Commerce John La Farge (1835-1910)

Here we observe a triptych rendered in stained glass, presenting a narrative divided into three distinct panels yet unified by a consistent aesthetic and thematic concern. The overall impression is one of opulent abundance interwoven with elements suggesting labor and potential suffering.
The leftmost panel depicts a scene of harvest or collection. Numerous figures, predominantly female, are engaged in gathering what appears to be cotton from large baskets. Their expressions range from focused exertion to apparent distress. A central figure, taller than the others, seems to oversee the process, holding aloft a substantial quantity of the harvested material. The color palette here is dominated by warm tones – reds, oranges, and yellows – which contribute to a sense of intensity and perhaps even heat, evoking the conditions under which such labor might occur.
The central panel shifts focus to what appears to be a marketplace or auction scene. A woman in white stands prominently on a raised platform, seemingly presenting goods for sale. Around her are clustered numerous figures, their faces rendered with varying degrees of detail, some appearing eager and others more detached. The color scheme here is cooler, incorporating blues and greens, which create a sense of distance and formality. This panel suggests the transition from production to exchange, highlighting the commercial aspect of the depicted activity.
The rightmost panel portrays what could be interpreted as the distribution or consumption of the harvested goods. Figures are shown in postures that suggest both enjoyment and burden. Some appear to be reclining amidst luxurious surroundings, while others seem weighed down by the very abundance they enjoy. A child clings to a figure’s leg, adding a layer of pathos to the scene. The colors here return to warmer tones, but with a muted quality, suggesting a sense of satiety or even exhaustion.
Subtly woven throughout the composition is a commentary on the complexities of commerce and its impact on human lives. While the abundance displayed suggests prosperity, the expressions of some figures – particularly those engaged in labor – hint at exploitation and hardship. The triptych format itself reinforces this duality: the initial panel establishes the source of wealth, the central panel showcases its exchange, and the final panel reveals its consequences, both positive and negative. The use of stained glass further enhances the symbolic weight of the work; the translucent medium allows light to pass through, suggesting a revealing or illuminating effect on the depicted narrative. Ultimately, the artist has constructed a visually rich and morally ambiguous portrayal of economic activity and its human cost.