Jean-François Millet
France 1814-1875
Certainly, Jean-François Millet (1814–1875) was a highly influential French artist whose work profoundly impacted the Realist movement in 19th-century European art. Born in the rural village of Gruchy, in Normandy, Millet's early life and surroundings deeply informed his artistic vision. His oeuvre is characterized by its empathetic portrayal of peasants and rural laborers, capturing the dignity and hardship of their daily lives with profound authenticity.
Millet began his career painting portraits and historical scenes but eventually shifted his focus to the peasant class, which he depicted in landscapes that were both poetic and socially conscious. He attended the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris, where he initially struggled but later found his voice as an artist amidst the changing cultural milieu of France.
Notable among his masterpieces are works such as "The Gleaners" (1857), where he portrays three women gleaning the remnants of a harvested field, symbolizing the quiet resilience of those at the bottom of the social hierarchy. Another iconic piece is "The Angelus" (1857-1859), which depicts a devout farming couple pausing during their workday for prayer, evoking a sense of tranquility and spiritual reflection amidst the hardships of agricultural life.
His approach to painting landscapes and figures was marked by a sense of monumentalism, often elevating the subjects from their humble circumstances onto a grand scale, thereby endowing them with a universal significance. Millet's innovative compositions and his commitment to representing the common man resonated with future generations of artists, including the Impressionists and beyond.
Throughout his career, Millet faced criticism from some who deemed his subject matter too somber or politically charged. However, his commitment to realism and his ability to imbue the mundane with profound meaning have solidified his place in art history as a pioneering figure. Despite financial struggles throughout much of his life, Millet’s legacy has endured, as his art continues to inspire discussions on social justice, the human condition, and the beauty inherent in everyday labor.
Collection of Works(Page 1)
'Le chat' or The Cat at the Window
Type: World-Famous Paintings
Painter: Jean-François Millet
Resolution: 4740 × 5884 px
A Shepherdess and Her Flock in the Shade of Trees
Type: World-Famous Paintings
Painter: Jean-François Millet
Resolution: 2562 × 3523 px
A Young Man Seated, Bent over a Reclining Figure
Type: World-Famous Paintings
Painter: Jean-François Millet
Resolution: 3335 × 2426 px
Barbizon Path In The Countryside, Vichy
Type: World-Famous Paintings
Painter: Jean-François Millet
Resolution: 3660 × 2214 px
A Norman Milkmaid at Gréville
Type: World-Famous Paintings
Painter: Jean-François Millet
Resolution: 4932 × 7123 px
A Shepherdess with Her Flock
Type: World-Famous Paintings
Painter: Jean-François Millet
Resolution: 3635 × 2542 px
A Seated Shepherd with His Dog and Sheep
Type: World-Famous Paintings
Painter: Jean-François Millet
Resolution: 3713 × 2221 px
A Woman Burning Weeds
Type: World-Famous Paintings
Painter: Jean-François Millet
Resolution: 2316 × 3614 px
Autumn Landscape with a Flock of Turkeys
Type: World-Famous Paintings
Painter: Jean-François Millet
Resolution: 3727 × 3007 px
Calling Home the Cows
Type: World-Famous Paintings
Painter: Jean-François Millet
Resolution: 2751 × 3805 px