Harvest Series Scene, Woodcut, 1920s-1930s, Framed

Description

Art Deco woodcut of a reaper carrying a bundle of grain. Graphics from the "Harvest" series dealing with the subject … more Art Deco woodcut of a reaper carrying a bundle of grain. Graphics from the "Harvest" series dealing with the subject of work in the fields and during the harvest. Dated to the 1930s, France.

The theme of the work is the hard work of a peasant woman - almost the entire space of the composition is occupied by the figure of a woman carrying a large bunch of grain on her shoulders. The reaper is shown monumentally - from the bottom to show admiration for her work. In the background, the artist outlined the figures of other peasants tying and collecting grain.

The graphics are characterized by a high contrast of dark, thick lines and a white background. The expression is enhanced by sharp chiaroscuro, marked by thick, horizontal hatches. The woodcut is maintained in the art deco style, characterized by simplification and geometrisation of forms and frequent use of sharply cut lines.

The technique used by the artist perfectly harmonizes with the art deco style. Longitudinal woodcut is one of the first graphic techniques used in Europe since the 14th century. The board on which the engraving is made is cut along the trunk, which allows for a limited range of thickness and line density. less