Peasants Going to Work

The influential work Peasants Going to Work by Jean François Millet, printed by master collaborator Auguste Delâtre in 1863, exemplifies the artist's dedication to documenting rural life subjects. This impression is a crucial example of mid-19th-century French printmaking, combining the precise lines of etching with the richer, blurred textures characteristic of the drypoint technique on ivory laid paper. Millet’s engagement with print media during this period allowed him to disseminate his powerful realist visions to a broader audience.

Produced in France during a period of significant social upheaval, Millet’s depictions of agricultural laborers were often interpreted as politically charged, though the artist himself maintained that he was simply emphasizing the universal dignity inherent in manual labor. The work captures two figures traversing a barren, atmospheric landscape toward their daily tasks. Unlike earlier romanticized pastoral scenes, Millet presents the individuals with monumental seriousness, emphasizing their physical commitment and the arduous relationship between the worker and the earth. The composition uses stark contrasts in light and shadow, which define the figures and lend a gravity to their routine.

This piece demonstrates the unique collaborative relationship between Millet and Delâtre, who helped refine the artist's vision in the demanding medium of prints. Such impressions, which convey Millet's enduring sympathy for the rural working class, are highly valued references in the history of 19th-century French art. This specific impression of Peasants Going to Work is currently held in the esteemed permanent collection of the Art Institute of Chicago, assuring the accessibility of this major work. Furthering his legacy, many works by the artist are now part of the public domain.