Leloir, Maurice, 1851?-1940 :The last sheaf; painted by Maurice Leloir; etched by A Lalauze. London, J S Virtue & Co. Limited [1882?]

A reproduction of the painting "The last sheaf", by Leloir, shows a couple, perhaps a landowning couple, at one end of a decorated rowboat, being rowed along a river by rowers in period costume, while another passenger plays on a flute. On the bank in the right background, labourers with scythes over their shoulders return from, or walk to, the fields. The boat is decorated with scythes, rakes, a rooster, garlands and sheaves.

Scene probably relates to the feting of the last sheaf of the harvest; the sheaf was often dressed up in clothing and paraded back to the village in a procession.

Quantity: 1 b&w art print(s).

Physical Description: Etching, 158 x 254 mm, on sheet 244 x 325 mm.

Transfers: Other material of the same provenance is housed at MS-Papers-9109.