Harvest Series: Reaper, Woodcut, 1920s-1930s, Framed

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Description

A small Art Deco graphic of a harvester in a field. Made in the longitudinal woodcut technique. Dated to the … Read more A small Art Deco graphic of a harvester in a field. Made in the longitudinal woodcut technique. Dated to the 1930s. The graphic belongs to a series dealing with the subject of work at the harvest and the field.

The presented graphic shows a reaper while mowing grain. The man is dressed in a typical peasant outfit with wide pants, a shirt, a waistcoat and a hat on his head. He holds a scythe in his hands, which he cuts a bundle of grain. The reaper is shown in motion - while cutting, he takes offense to look at the great sun setting on the horizon.

The graphics are characterized by a high contrast of dark, thick lines and a white background. The expression is emphasized by strong chiaroscuro, marked by thick, horizontal hatches - including on the man's face and clothes.

The woodcut is maintained in the art deco style, characterized by simplification and geometrisation of forms and frequent use of sharply cut, expressive lines.

The technique used by the artist perfectly harmonizes with the art deco style. Longitudinal woodcut is one of the first graphic techniques used in Europe since the 14th century. The board on which the engraving is made is cut along the trunk, which allows for a limited range of thickness and line density. See less