Léon-Augustin Lhermitte, French, 1844-1925 – The Gleaners Philadelphia Museum of Art

The composition presents a rural scene dominated by a vast expanse of harvested wheat field. Here we observe three figures engaged in gleaning – collecting leftover grains after the main harvest. They are positioned in the foreground, bent low over the stubble, their postures conveying diligent labor and quiet perseverance. The ground is rendered with meticulous detail, showcasing the texture of the cut stalks and the scattered remnants of grain.
The artist has employed a muted palette, primarily utilizing earthy tones – ochres, browns, and yellows – to evoke the atmosphere of late summer or early autumn. Light falls unevenly across the scene, highlighting the figures’ backs and shoulders while casting long shadows that stretch towards the viewer. The sky is rendered in soft blues and whites, suggesting a hazy, warm day.
A large haystack stands prominently on the right side of the canvas, serving as a visual anchor and emphasizing the scale of the agricultural landscape. A fourth figure, standing slightly apart from the gleaners, appears to be overseeing their work or perhaps simply resting. Her posture suggests weariness but also a sense of quiet dignity.
The painting’s subtexts revolve around themes of poverty, labor, and social hierarchy. Gleaning was traditionally a practice undertaken by the poorest members of society, permitted to gather what remained after landowners had taken their share. The figures humble attire – simple dresses and headscarves – underscores their marginalized status. Their bowed postures suggest not only physical exertion but also a sense of resignation or acceptance of their circumstances.
The inclusion of the overseer figure introduces an element of social distance, hinting at the power dynamics inherent in rural life. The vastness of the field itself can be interpreted as symbolic of both abundance and inequality – a landscape that provides sustenance for some while offering only meager scraps to others. Ultimately, the work offers a poignant glimpse into the lives of those who labored on the margins of agricultural society, their existence defined by hard work and limited resources.