A Woman Sewing

A Woman Sewing is a notable 1855 print created by Jean François Millet, executed as an etching on ivory laid paper. The technical complexity of the image was realized by the skilled printer Auguste Delâtre, who often collaborated with contemporary French artists to translate their draftsmanship into reproducible forms. Millet, known primarily for his powerful oil paintings depicting rural labor, approached the etching medium with the same commitment to naturalistic detail and somber atmosphere evident in his other work.

Created in France during a period of burgeoning Realism, the piece exemplifies Millet’s enduring interest in the dignity of everyday life and the focused effort of the working class. Unlike the grand historical or mythological subjects preferred by the Academy, this piece captures a quiet, intimate moment of domestic labor. The woman, likely a peasant or rural figure, is absorbed in her task, emphasizing the simple but profound dedication required for survival in mid-nineteenth-century rural society. Millet used the fine lines achievable through etching to render the textures of the fabric and the subtle variations of light and shadow in the interior space, elevating the depiction of humble labor into serious art.

This masterly print is an excellent example of Millet’s graphic output. The collaborative efforts between artist and master printer resulted in high-quality prints that quickly disseminated Millet’s vision throughout France and internationally. Today, the work is highly valued for its historical representation of labor and remains part of the esteemed permanent collection of the Art Institute of Chicago, offering public access to one of the most compelling visual representations of French Realism.