Italian, Venetian – The Labours of the Months – September Part 4 National Gallery UK

The composition presents a scene centered around agricultural labor, specifically the harvesting and pressing of grapes. A man, clad in simple working attire – a purple tunic, white breeches, and bright red boots and hat – is depicted engaged in this task. He kneels beside a large wooden vat, his posture suggesting exertion as he squeezes a cluster of grapes suspended from his hand. The juice flows downwards into the vessel, creating a visual link between his action and its immediate result.
The artist has placed a laden grapevine to the left, its branches heavy with ripe fruit, reinforcing the theme of abundance and harvest. A landscape stretches out behind the figure; distant mountains rise above gently sloping fields, suggesting a rural setting and providing depth to the scene. The muted palette – dominated by earthy tones of green, brown, and ochre – contributes to a sense of realism and emphasizes the natural environment.
Beyond the literal depiction of grape harvesting, the painting hints at broader subtexts related to time and cyclical processes. The man’s focused labor suggests diligence and the importance of seasonal work. The red hues prevalent in his clothing and the juice itself may symbolize vitality, passion, or even sacrifice – elements often associated with the harvest season. The landscapes backdrop implies a connection between human effort and the natural world, suggesting that prosperity is dependent on both.
The overall impression is one of quiet industry and the inherent rhythm of agricultural life, presented in a manner that evokes a sense of tradition and continuity.