The artwork “Farmers at work (Risaiole)” was created by Umberto Boccioni in 1908 in Milan, Italy. It is an oil on canvas, with dimensions of 25 x 35 cm. This piece, belonging to the genre painting category, exemplifies characteristics of the Impressionism movement, encapsulating both the ethos of the period and Boccioni’s individual stylistic approach.
The artwork depicts rural laborers immersed in the labor-intensive process of rice planting. Multiple figures are scattered across a field saturated with vibrant tones of green and yellow, indicative of the fertile landscape they cultivate. Boccioni captures the essence of motion through the gestures of the workers, who appear actively engaged in their tasks, bending and reaching across the canvas. The composition is executed with loose, energetic brushstrokes, a hallmark of Impressionist technique, which conveys the dynamic quality of natural light and the ephemeral nature of the moment.
Foregrounding the peasants in this pastoral scene, Boccioni emphasizes their connection to the land and the physicality of their work. One can discern their forms melding into the environment, symbolizing the union between human endeavor and the earth. The background features hints of structures and trees that seem to be enveloped by the sun-drenched field, further enhancing the depth and realism infused into this scenic portrayal.
Although later known for his forward-looking Futurist works, in “Farmers at work (Risaiole),” Boccioni exhibits a sensitivity to the traditional livelihoods that marked the Italian countryside, offering a window into the everyday lives and labors that shaped the agrarian society of his time.
