img138 Edouard Vuillard (1868-1940)

The triptych presents a scene of rural labor, specifically focused on fruit harvesting. Here we observe five figures engaged in gathering what appears to be cherries or similar small fruits from trees laden with foliage. The composition is divided into three distinct panels, each containing one or two individuals and contributing to the overall narrative flow.
The color palette is dominated by muted greens and earth tones, creating a sense of quietude and connection to the natural environment. The figures are rendered in a simplified, almost stylized manner; their features lack detailed definition, emphasizing their roles as representatives of a collective rather than individual portraits. Their clothing – simple dresses and aprons – reinforces this impression of rural working-class life.
The arrangement of the figures suggests a cyclical process. In the left panel, a woman sits on the ground, gathering fallen fruit into a large cloth bag. The central panel depicts an active moment of harvesting, with one figure reaching upwards towards the branches while another holds a basket. The right panel shows two women carrying baskets filled with harvested fruit, seemingly concluding their task.
The triptych’s format itself is significant. Its structure as three panels implies a progression or unfolding of events, but also suggests a sense of completeness and unity. The foliage that frames the figures creates a visual barrier between them and the viewer, fostering an atmosphere of intimacy and seclusion.
Subtly, theres a feeling of melancholy present in the work. While depicting labor, it doesn’t celebrate it with exuberance; rather, it portrays a quiet dedication to a task performed within a seemingly unchanging landscape. The lack of overt emotion on the figures’ faces contributes to this subdued mood, hinting at the repetitive and often arduous nature of rural existence. The overall effect is one of understated dignity and resilience in the face of daily toil.