A Woman Churning

A Woman Churning by Jean François Millet (French, 1814-1875) is a powerful example of the artist’s commitment to depicting the reality of rural subjects. Executed in 1855, this striking print utilizes the delicate interplay of etching and drypoint on ivory laid paper, showcasing the inherent strength and texture of the materials. The creation of the work was a crucial collaborative effort, professionally printed by Auguste Delâtre, a key figure in the revival of the printmaking medium in 19th-century France.

Millet, a foundational figure associated with the Barbizon school, deliberately moved away from the idealized academic styles of the time, choosing instead to focus on the dignity and hardship of agrarian labor. This piece captures a lone female figure deeply engrossed in the repetitive, physical act of churning butter, a scene symbolizing the daily, often-unseen toil required for survival in rural France. The composition emphasizes the woman's powerful silhouette and the concentration required for her task, rendered through the distinctive cross-hatching and deep, expressive lines characteristic of the drypoint technique.

Although Millet is most famous for his large-scale oil paintings, his works on paper are critical to understanding his graphic mastery and commitment to realism. This specific impression, an early demonstration of his sensitivity to peasant life, is preserved within the distinguished collection of the Art Institute of Chicago. Because the copyright for the 1855 work has expired, images of this significant etching are frequently available in the public domain, supporting the broader study of Millet’s revolutionary approach to portraying the French peasantry in his many influential prints.