"Group of Women" by Jean François Millet French, 1814-1875 is a powerful example of the artist's dedication to figure study and draftsmanship, executed during his prolific career spanning 1834 to 1875. The drawing was created using black chalk on blue-gray laid paper, a support medium that has since discolored naturally to a tan hue. Consistent with conservation practices for valuable studies, the original sheet was subsequently laid down on cream wove paper, preserving the integrity of the composition.
Millet, renowned for capturing the dignity and gravity of rural life, focused intensely on the human form. This depiction of a group of women, though perhaps an early study or preparatory sketch, conveys the characteristic weight and volume the artist achieved through his masterful handling of chalk. The strong, assertive lines and subtle gradations of shading emphasize the robust forms of the figures, placing this piece firmly within the tradition of 19th-century French figurative drawing.
This significant work is housed in the permanent collection of the Art Institute of Chicago, where it contributes greatly to the understanding of the evolution of drawing techniques in France. The detailed metadata and provenance associated with this drawing ensure its continued scholarly use. As a key work by Millet, representing his enduring contribution to 19th-century art, high-resolution images and fine art prints of this drawing are frequently accessible through museum and public domain archives.
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