Jean-François Millet

Original Prints: Etchings

Joining his good friend Theodore Rousseau in 1849, Jean-François Millet (1814 - 1875) took up residence at Barbizon, a village in the Fontainebleau forest to the south of Paris, and never left.

Living there in near poverty, he developed the simple everyday scenes of the countryside in forceful compositions. His graphic work, while not extensive, is one of the most evocative of the 19th century.

Les Bêcheurs The Diggers Delteil 13, Melot 13 etching, 1855-56, the 4th state (of 4), a very fine early impression, on medium-weight cream laid Japon paper Millet was a keen observer of the working man in everyday activities. which he saw as "le cri de la terre".

La Bouillie The Porridge Delteil 17, Melot 17 etching with drypoint, 1861, the 3rd state (of 5, or 6 according to Melot), a very fine early proof impression, on tan-beige chine appliqué, before letters Millet's steadfast devotion to rural life is here exemplified in this intimate vision of mother and child, treated with all the classical simplicity of a Renaissance madonna.          next artist  >