Bassano, Francesco – Septiembre (Libra) Part 2 Prado Museum

The canvas presents a bustling scene centered around the harvest of grapes. A group of figures is actively engaged in gathering and processing the fruit within a rustic setting. The foreground is dominated by large wooden vats, overflowing with freshly picked grapes. Several individuals are immersed in this activity – some picking directly from baskets, others sorting and placing the grapes into the vessels.
A woman, centrally positioned, stands amidst the group, her gaze directed towards the viewer. She holds a bowl of grapes, contributing to the sense of abundance and communal labor. A small dog playfully interacts with the children present, adding a touch of domesticity and lightheartedness to the scene.
Beyond the immediate activity, a larger landscape unfolds. The terrain rises gently, revealing fields dotted with farm buildings and distant hills. A horse-drawn cart is visible on the left side, suggesting transportation of the harvested goods. The sky is overcast, lending a muted quality to the light and contributing to an overall atmosphere of quiet industry.
The composition suggests more than just a depiction of agricultural labor. The inclusion of numerous figures, their varied expressions, and the detailed rendering of everyday objects hint at a celebration of rural life and community. The abundance of grapes symbolizes prosperity and fertility. The presence of animals – the dog, the horse, and the oxen – further reinforces this connection to nature and sustenance.
Theres an underlying sense of order and harmony within the scene; despite the activity, there is no chaos or disruption. This controlled depiction may allude to themes of diligence, reward for labor, and the cyclical nature of life and seasons. The distant view suggests a broader context beyond the immediate task at hand – a connection between the local community and the wider world.