Geese in a Farmyard

"Geese in a Farmyard" is a powerful drawing created by Jean François Millet (French, 1814-1875) between 1866 and 1875, reflecting his abiding interest in the realities of rural life. Classified as a drawing, this piece utilizes black crayon applied to ivory wove paper, which has since discolored naturally to a tan hue. The original sheet was subsequently laid down onto a white laid paper support, a common conservation practice of the era. This medium allowed Millet to achieve a rich, textural effect, capturing the dynamic movement and coarse feathers of the farmyard inhabitants.

Millet, a prominent figure whose work helped shape the Realist movement in France, was renowned for his empathetic and unvarnished depictions of peasant life. While he is most famous for monumental works featuring human laborers, drawings like this exemplify his dedication to rendering all facets of the rustic environment, integrating farm animals into the overall vision of 19th-century existence. The artist transforms the seemingly mundane subject matter into a robust study of form and shadow.

This significant example of Millet’s late draftsmanship is permanently housed in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago. The work highlights the artist’s mastery of quick, decisive lines and modeling achieved through careful shading. Millet's commitment to depicting the dignity of the French countryside ensures the continued relevance of his art. Given its age and cultural importance, high-quality prints of Geese in a Farmyard are frequently made available through public domain initiatives, ensuring broad access to this essential piece of cultural history.