Jean-François Millet's 1857 painting "The Gleaners" symbolizes the vital practice of gleaning, which allowed the rural poor to collect leftover crops after harvest. Traditionally a legally recognized right in England and France, gleaning diminished after the 18th century due to privatization and mechanization. The modern context sees a revival of this practice, as volunteers today actively mitigate food waste and support the needy, echoing the historical relevance and humanitarian aspect of gleaning amid contemporary challenges.
"For centuries, gleaning had been a lifeline for the rural poor in England and France – a legally recognized right that allowed them to enter fields after the harvest to collect what remained."
"By the mid-19th century, gleaning had faded into memory, a relic of premodern agrarian life overtaken by the relentless march of progress."
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