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The Wheatfield This golden landscape composition focuses on several agricultural workers in the central foreground. Bathed in light, two females glean the remains of the harvest; one assisted by a young child. Left of center, a well-dressed gentleman (with top hat and coat) walks up the hill. Right of center, another youngster sits on the ground with his dog. Nearby are a picnic hamper and several jugs. These figures, nestled in the golden wheatfield, are framed using green shrubbery. Between the golden wheat and green trees are five white-shirted harvesters at work. To the extreme left of the composition, a ploughman is busy at work ploughing his fields with his horse. Immediately above the ploughman, on the opposite side of the river, is a large multi-storied red house. In the middle ground, a river snakes its way from left to right. Single houses sit isolated within the fields. A village, nestled in the central middle ground at the base of the hill, blends into the surrounding landscape. Immediately above the village, a light gray square spired church crowns the top of the hill. The hills fade into the background, and the eye looks to the cumulus clouds that fill the sky, mimicking the contours of the trees. Background Focusing on the harmonious aspects of the land, this composition reflects a spiritual attitude of agricultural workers in early 19th century pre-industrial Britain. Prosperity comes with diligent toil. Dedham Vale and River Stour unite the composition - mimicking the contours of the river with the wheatfield. The river, itself a symbol of life and growth, became a force in the transportation of goods throughout the country. The river's physical force was harnessed and powered local grinding mills. The 'lord' of the manor (or leading man of reapers and mowers), wearing a top hat, is diagonally linked to the grand manor house above the farm workers. The 'lord' assumed responsibility for the earthly needs of his workers. The harvesters, harvesting wheat, are assumed to be families and work together at their tasks. The harvested wheat, as a grain, is necessary to make bread - the 'staff of life.' The harvesters own meal, in a picnic hamper, is being watched over by the youngster and dog. The tiny square spired church is the central focus of the composition. The church is the spiritual center of the harvesters, as evidenced by the central female bowing below. In order to maintain a balance between their earthly and spiritual life, the agricultural workers must work for their earthly 'lord', while honoring their spiritual Lord. Constable, who lived in and around Dedham Vale and the River Stour, was consumed with the picturesque beauty and harmonious qualities of the landscape. Witnessing a late summer harvest in August 1815, he wrote his wife: "I live almost wholly in the fields and see nothing but harvest men." (Graham, p. 215) Constable was conscious of the hierarchical activities of the land workers, as well as the beauty of the land on which they worked. Nature itself invites the reapers forth;... …I grant indeed that fields and flocks have charms …On coming out of the workhouse in March 1856, I secured my first job. It consisted of scaring crows from the fields of a farmer close to the house. I was then six years of age, and I was paid 1s. (shilling) for a seven-day week. My first pay day made me feel as proud as a Duke…in my childish innocence I thought my shilling would be all that my mother needed. It was not long, however, before I discovered my mistake, but my wage proved a little help to her…In 1856, I entered upon my first harvest. During the wheat cutting I made bonds for the binders. There were no reaping machines in those days, the corn (wheat) all having to be cut by the scythe. Women were engaged to tie up the corn, and the little boys made bonds with which to tie the corn For this work I received 3d. (pence) per day, or at the rate of 1s. 6d. per week…this was a happy time for women and children. At the conclusion of the harvest they would have what was called a gleaners’ frolic… |