Harry Brodsky is best known for lithograph images of Philadelphia and the surrounding area, emphasizing themes of social justice in portrayals of workers.

Brodsky's inspiration for Tomato Pickers came to him during a long drive in Pennsylvania—the vehicle directly in front of him was a truck crowded with migrant workers. He was moved to create this image of poor laborers seeking whatever work they could find. The flattened shape of the truck, outlined in black curtains, stands out dramatically against the white lines of the figures, creating an arresting composition.