Painting Description

The machine in the painting, Closing the Gate, Image #1291, is a binder. It cuts the grain and ties it into bundles or sheaves. The sheaves are built into stooks and after drying out, the sheaves are put on wagons as shown in Wagon Waiting, Image #2936, and then hauled to the threshing machine which is normally in the barn, Horse Sweep, Image #1107, but could be in the field, Harvest Heritage, Image #1739, which also shows a steam engine being used for power. Today the threshing machine is powered by a motor, Power by Buick, Image #0414. On modern farms this has been replaced by the combine harvester which cuts the grain and threshes it in one operation.

This image is available for Licensing. Contact Cynthia [email protected] for inquiries.