Evening, from "Four Times of the Day"

"Evening, from 'Four Times of the Day'" is a profound print created by Jean-François Millet, dating from the period between 1830 and 1875. This work is a compelling example of Millet's sustained interest in rural life and the physical realities of agrarian labor, themes that defined his career as a leader of the Barbizon School.

The composition utilizes the demanding medium of wood engraving, executed on chine collé. This specific technique involves printing the intricate wood block image onto a thin sheet of specialized paper, which is simultaneously mounted onto a sturdier backing sheet. This combination allowed Millet to retain the sharp detail of the deeply carved wood block while ensuring the print's durability.

Millet captures a quiet moment of transition, portraying men concluding their labor as evening descends. The scene is imbued with the solemnity characteristic of the artist’s oeuvre. The forms are heavy and monumental, emphasizing the exhaustion and dignity inherent in the figures. The inclusion of plows grounds the narrative firmly in the daily struggle of farming, contrasting the fleeting human presence against the vast, enduring cycle of nature. This piece effectively conveys the profound connection between the laborers and the land they cultivate.

The work is housed in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Due to the historical nature of the original piece, high-quality prints and reproductions of Millet's etchings and drawings are now widely available through various public domain collections, ensuring the continued study of this influential period master.