The Harvest is a famous oil on canvas painting that was created in 1851 by French artist Charles-François Daubigny, who was one of the painters of the Barbizon school. The artwork is considered an important precursor of Impressionism and is housed at Musée d’Orsay in Paris.
The painting portrays a strikingly realistic view of a harvest scene which features wide, open horizon under a luminous sky and use of juxtaposed pure colours. The Realism style landscape painting genre used captures the essence of nature beautifully, highlighting its serene beauty using Plein Air techniques through skillful strokes.
Daubigny’s masterpiece, which was bought by the French state for 2,500 francs in 1853, was initially housed in the Ministry of Justice before being transferred to other art-related establishments later on. It has remained one of his most celebrated works over time due to its perfect embodiment and representation as well as the technical skill that went into bringing it alive.
