France Provence Olive Harvest 1884 – Eugène Burnand Drypoint

Description

Provence olive harvest drypoint created by Eugène Burnand in 1884, depicting workers gathering olives in a traditional grove in southern France.

Several olive pickers are shown among the branches of an old tree, reached by a ladder resting against its trunk. Rows of olive trees extend into the background, while a small flight of birds animates the open sky. Burnand’s precise yet lively linework captures both the character of the ancient trees and the seasonal activity of the harvest.

Eugène Burnand and Provence

Eugène Burnand (1850-1921) was a Swiss painter, draughtsman, illustrator and printmaker closely associated with Naturalism. He studied in Geneva and Paris and became particularly admired for his accurate depictions of rural life, animals and agricultural labour.

Burnand spent time in southern France and developed a lasting interest in the landscapes and people of Provence. His work combines close observation with a strong sense of atmosphere, giving dignity and presence to everyday country life.

The printed signature “E. Burnand” appears at the lower left of the image.

Details

• Artist: Eugène Burnand (1850-1921).
• Subject: olive harvesting in a Provençal grove.
• Location represented: Provence, France.
• Date: 1884.
• Technique: drypoint, monochrome intaglio print.
• Support: antique heavily textured paper.
• Sheet dimensions: 26.5 × 18.2 cm.
• Image dimensions: 14.4 × 10.5 cm.

Condition

A well-preserved antique impression with generous margins. The sheet displays light handling creases, scattered minor spotting and small irregularities or wear along the edges. These features are consistent with its age. Please examine the photograph carefully, as it forms an important part of the condition description.

This Provence olive harvest drypoint is an evocative record of nineteenth-century Mediterranean agriculture and will appeal to collectors of Eugène Burnand, French regional history, rural subjects and antique European prints.