La Famille SnD 1908 O C 256.5 by 348cm Leon Augustin Lhermitte (1844-1925)

The composition presents a rural scene, likely depicting agricultural labor and family life. Here we observe a group of figures situated within a field of golden wheat, suggesting a harvest season or period of intense work. The foreground is dominated by a family unit: a woman cradling an infant, a man standing protectively beside her, and what appears to be another child leaning towards them. Their expressions are difficult to discern precisely due to the painterly style, but theres a sense of weariness and quiet resilience conveyed through their postures.
To the left, two oxen pull a plow, guided by a laborer who strides purposefully forward. The man’s stance suggests determination and the demands of his work. A rake lies discarded near the right edge of the canvas, further reinforcing the theme of agricultural toil.
The background is less detailed, showing a distant village or settlement under a hazy sky. This creates depth within the scene while also emphasizing the isolation of the family and laborers from broader society. The color palette is dominated by warm tones – yellows, browns, and ochres – which contribute to the overall impression of heat and labor.
Subtly, the painting seems to explore themes of familial bonds amidst hardship. The protective stance of the man towards his family suggests a desire to shield them from the difficulties inherent in their existence. The infant’s presence introduces an element of hope and continuity, hinting at future generations who will inherit this way of life. The oxen, integral to the labor process, are rendered with considerable detail, almost as if they too are participants in the shared struggle.
The loose brushwork and muted colors contribute to a sense of realism while also imbuing the scene with an emotional weight. It is not merely a depiction of rural work; it’s a portrayal of lives lived close to the land, marked by both physical exertion and quiet dignity.