THE RAPESEED HARVEST​

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An interpretation of The Rapeseed Harvest by Jules Breton, circa 1827-1906. I like this scene because of the peasants' activity, each one labouring. To me it’s all action, movement - a group of peasants in full vigorous activity with the men beating the oil seed plants and the woman making sacks but most of all the woman sieving the seed holding her sieve upright in a life-like but noble stance, offering a handsome stylised profile to the spectator.  Oh! I thought let’s partake and push my boundaries to the best of my abilities.

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by JULES BRETON  1827-1906​

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Known as one of the first “peasant painters”, Breton created beautiful scenes of rural French life. He painted peasant women and men performing their daily activities. Reward and Official decorations were heaped upon him, his paintings were purchased not only by the Emperor but also by collectors in America, Britain & Ireland. However, Breton’s work became eclipsed by the avant-garde movements of the 20th Century and he was eventually forgotten.