Mid-Day, from "Four Times of the Day"

Mid-Day, from "Four Times of the Day" is a notable wood engraving created by Jean-François Millet in 1860. This print forms a key part of a thematic series dedicated to representing the daily rhythms of labor and life, a subject central to Millet's realist aesthetic. The technical execution uses chine collé, a printing process where a thin, fine sheet of paper is carefully adhered to a heavier backing sheet during the impression, enhancing the delicate detail and tonal range characteristic of the wood engraving medium.

The composition captures a moment of necessary stillness during the height of the sun. The scene reflects the demanding nature of 19th-century rural life, featuring various figures taking respite or making preparations for the afternoon’s work. Prominently featured are men and women gathered near resting animals, likely horses or oxen, attached to heavy carriages. Millet excels at rendering the tangible reality of the laborers, emphasizing details such as the robust shoes worn for demanding work in the fields. The overall impression is one of quiet dignity and solemnity, themes that defined the artist's work and distinguished him among contemporary French realists.

As an enduring example of graphic arts, this piece demonstrates the power of printmaking in disseminating significant imagery. The precision required for the wood engraving process allowed Millet to achieve deep tonal contrasts and sharp lines. The work is held within the distinguished collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, serving as a vital record of 19th-century print culture. Because high-quality prints from this period are increasingly accessible, especially those works now entering the public domain, Mid-Day, from "Four Times of the Day" remains a crucial resource for the study of Millet and the Realist movement.