From 1880, Naturalism showed rural deprivation, but active farmyards with plenty of livestock. Then in the 20th century came the tractor.
Lhermitte
Trained with Gérôme in Paris, he painted fine rural landscapes of Alpine meadows, religious works, and used advanced optical effects.
A party of landsfolk riding in horsedriven hay wagon, the artist’s mother sewing in Nabi style, tennis in Rhode Island, and a deserted table by the sea.
Photographers, musicians, harvesters, foresters, booksellers and propagandists, and tinkers from the roads of the past.
Far from being the idyllic countryside, the gleaners who followed the harvesters brought a strong social message.
Superb paintings by Bruegel, Samuel Palmer, Daubigny, Jules Breton, Anna Ancher, Félix Vallotton, and others.
Features Harriet Backer’s masterpiece, and paintings by Giorgione, Ford Madox Brown, Jules Breton and his daughter, and others.
Raphael’s legacy, including assimilation of styles, figures so lifelike they’re ‘almost breathing’, and a large workshop.
The painting’s reception, and how it changed 19th century painting, with Courbet, Lhermitte, Naturalists, and Tom Lea III.
From Naturalist paintings of Bastille Day in 1880 to rush hour in New York City, and crowds outside the Gare de l’Est in 1917.
