A Sheep Grazing

A Sheep Grazing, executed in 1849, is an exceptional example of 19th-century French graphic artistry, attributed to originator Jean François Millet (French, 1814-1875) and involving a complex history of collaboration; the work was printed by Auguste Delâtre (French, 1822-1907) and signed by fellow artist Charles Émile Jacque (French, 1813-1894). The print utilizes a combination of complex intaglio techniques, including etching, drypoint, and roulette, masterfully applied to ivory laid paper. This approach allows for remarkable textural nuance, particularly in rendering the soft fleece of the animal and the delicate atmosphere surrounding the simple pastoral scene.

Millet was a central figure in the Barbizon School, known for his unvarnished and empathetic depictions of rural life, shifting artistic focus away from historical narratives toward the everyday realities of the French countryside. Though primarily known for his paintings, this piece demonstrates Millet’s significant contributions to printmaking during a period when the medium was experiencing renewed technical experimentation in France. The expressive use of drypoint lines defines the form and provides deep shadows, while the roulette technique lends a subtle, granular quality to the background, enhancing the light on the subject.

The collaboration among these three renowned figures highlights the specialized nature of print production in the mid-1800s. As a vital document of Realism, this print offers insight into the cultural appreciation for humble, agrarian existence. Because of its historical significance, the work is often available in the public domain for educational access and study. This important piece is housed within the permanent collection of the Art Institute of Chicago, serving as a cornerstone example of the graphic arts during this critical period of French artistic evolution.