The artwork, titled “Cradling Wheat,” was created by Thomas Hart Benton in 1939. This piece is associated with the Regionalism art movement and is categorized as a genre painting.
The artwork depicts a vibrant and dynamic scene of farm laborers in the midst of wheat harvesting. The composition shows men and women diligently working in tandem, their bodies rhythmically bending and stretching as they gather and bind sheaves of wheat. The golden tones of the wheat fields contrast vividly with the deep green hues of the trees and hills, creating a harmonious yet striking palette. The sky, adorned with swirling clouds, adds an element of drama to the landscape. Benton’s attention to detail and movement within the scene encapsulates the spirit of Regionalism, emphasizing the cultural and environmental characteristics of rural America during this period.
