Costume Studies

Costume Studies is a compelling drawing created by Jean-François Millet between 1854 and 1855. Executed in black crayon on brown wove paper, the work emphasizes the French artist’s superb mastery of draftsmanship. Millet often utilized colored paper not merely as a background but as an active mid-tone against which he could build form using the dark crayon for shadow and occasionally highlights in chalk (though not explicitly noted here, the technique is characteristic). This method lends the figures a profound sense of volume and presence, despite the speed implied by preparatory studies.

Created during the pivotal period of 1851 to 1875, this piece offers a clear glimpse into the artistic process of a leading figure in the Realist movement. Millet was renowned for his dedication to depicting rural labor and peasant life, and such meticulous figure studies were essential components for developing his large-scale oil paintings, such as those depicting gleaners or shepherds. The sketches focus intensely on the way simple garments drape and fold, capturing the heavy, weighted texture of the fabrics worn by laborers. This emphasis on observational accuracy links Millet directly to the ideals of naturalism flourishing in French art during the mid-19th century.

As an example of the artist’s dedication to foundational technique, Costume Studies reveals the methodical approach underlying Millet’s celebrated compositions. The drawing technique—simple yet effective—serves as a document of his artistic thinking and preparation. This significant work is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C., where it contributes to the museum’s comprehensive holdings of European drawings. Due to its age and cultural importance, high-quality images of this drawing are often made available to the public domain, allowing researchers and students worldwide to access detailed prints of Millet’s foundational work.