Sussex harvest

Arthur Streeton painted his first English landscapes in the summer of 1898 in Sussex, including this painting of a harvest scene. He was adapting to the English light and vegetation, aided by working plein air and his astute observational abilities. He used a similar composition to some of his Australian paintings, such as 'What though among the leaves hast never known' 1896, whose landscape with figures is also framed by overarching trees.

The rich colours and rambunctious clouds suggest Streeton was looking at the work of English contemporary Philip Wilson Steer and as well as earlier works by John Constable, such as 'The Cornfield' 1826 in London's National Gallery. 'Sussex Harvest' was exhibited at the Royal Academy in London in May 1899 and sent back to Sydney for exhibition at the Society of Artists in late August. The Sydney Morning Herald reviewer considered it the 'chief success' among Streeton's exhibits.