Peasants Going to Work

"Peasants Going to Work" is a powerful 1863 print created by Jean François Millet and skillfully executed by the renowned French printer Auguste Delâtre. This masterful depiction, rendered using the intricate techniques of etching and drypoint on ivory laid paper, exemplifies Millet's commitment to the Realist movement in mid-19th century France. Rejecting academic historicism and romanticized interpretations of rural life, the artist focused instead on the dignity, labor, and hardship of agricultural existence common to the working class.

The work captures two figures walking purposefully across an open field in the early morning light, suggesting the daily rhythm and cyclical nature of their demanding labor. Millet’s meticulous technique elevates the simple action; his use of drypoint creates rich, velvety burrs and deep black lines, contrasting sharply with the finer, crisp etching lines. This careful manipulation of the copper plate gives the image a sense of weight and gravity appropriate for the weighty subject matter. The enduring focus on the ordinary laborers made these prints hugely influential, contributing to the broader dialogue about class and modernity in French society.

This significant print is classified within the Art Institute of Chicago's esteemed collection, preserving the legacy of the artist’s graphic work for future generations. As a major contribution to 19th-century French graphic arts, the popularity of this piece means high-quality images of it are often available in the public domain for study and appreciation.