Folklore / Rake Man
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Mary Evans Picture Library
Folklore / Rake Man
LE MONSIEUR DE L ORME RATEAU (The Gentleman of the elm-tree of the Rake) a figure seen in Berry, central France, dressed in smart clothes but carrying a rake, none knows why Date: 1851
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Media ID 14270483
© Mary Evans Picture Library
1851 Berry Dressed Folklore Gentleman Monsieur Orme Rake Smart Rateau
EDITORS COMMENTS
This intriguing photograph, taken in 1851 in the heart of Berry, central France, captures the enigmatic figure of Le Monsieur de l'Orme Rateau, or The Gentleman of the Elm-tree Rake. Dressed impeccably in smart clothes, complete with top hat and cane, this man defies the expectations of his elegant attire. Instead of carrying the usual accessories of a gentleman, such as a walking stick or a flower, he is seen holding a simple rake. The origins of this peculiar tradition are shrouded in folklore. Some say that the gentleman rake was once a wealthy landowner who, feeling remorse for his selfish ways, took to the streets to offer a helping hand to his fellow villagers. Others believe that the rake was a symbol of fertility and prosperity, and that the gentleman carried it to ensure a bountiful harvest. Regardless of the true story behind this intriguing figure, the image of Le Monsieur de l'Orme Rateau has become an enduring symbol of the region's rich cultural heritage. The photograph offers a glimpse into the past, transporting us back to a time when tradition and folklore played a central role in the daily lives of rural communities. The photograph, which is part of the extensive collection of historical images at Mary Evans Prints Online, provides a fascinating insight into the world of 19th-century France and the enduring power of folklore to shape our understanding of the past.
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