CAN2M3HN Arnold Böcklin (1827-1901)

The composition presents a scene centered around agricultural labor, specifically the threshing of grain. A large ox, its coat displaying a pattern of reddish-brown and white markings, dominates the left side of the canvas. It is harnessed to a wooden threshing machine, which occupies a central position within the frame. The animal’s posture suggests considerable exertion; its head is lowered, and muscles are taut.
A man, presumably the farmer or laborer operating the machinery, leans against the structure, his body angled towards the ox. His physique appears robust, though he exhibits signs of fatigue. He seems to be guiding or controlling the process. A second figure, also male and similarly built, is partially obscured by the machine’s framework; his role in the activity remains ambiguous.
To the left, a group of onlookers are gathered. They appear to be family members or villagers observing the work. The woman at the forefront wears traditional attire, including a headscarf and what seems to be a long skirt. She holds an infant in her arms, while another child stands beside her. Their presence suggests a communal aspect to this agricultural task, highlighting its importance within the community.
The background reveals a landscape bathed in sunlight. A distant town or village is visible on the horizon, rendered with loose brushstrokes that convey depth and atmosphere. The sky above is characterized by patches of blue interspersed with clouds, contributing to a sense of open space and rural tranquility.
The artist’s use of color is notable. Earth tones – ochres, browns, and reds – predominate, reflecting the natural environment and the labor involved. The oxs reddish hue echoes in the skin tone of the laborers, creating a visual connection between human and animal effort. The overall effect evokes a sense of hard work, tradition, and the cyclical nature of agricultural life. There is an underlying tension present; while the scene depicts a seemingly ordinary moment, the sheer physical strain evident on both man and beast hints at the demanding realities of rural existence.