Peasants Going to Work

"Peasants Going to Work," created by Jean François Millet in 1863 and expertly printed by Auguste Delâtre, captures the quiet dignity of rural labor central to the Realist movement in France. This solemn depiction, executed in etching and drypoint on tan laid paper, shows two figures moving across a shadowed field toward the horizon, bowed slightly by their tools and the inherent fatigue of manual work. Millet typically focused on the unsentimental portrayal of agrarian life, elevating everyday actions like walking to work into profound visual statements that resonated widely during the mid-19th century.

The technical finesse of this print illustrates Millet’s deep engagement with graphic media. He employed etching to establish the linear framework and utilized drypoint to create rich, velvety burrs, particularly visible in the heavily shadowed foreground and the texture of the workers’ clothing. The printing of this specific edition was handled by the esteemed Auguste Delâtre, a highly regarded Parisian imprimeur known for his dedication to reviving the artistic integrity of original prints. Delâtre's expertise ensured the deep saturation and precise handling of the ink required to convey the atmospheric density of Millet’s composition.

Millet’s dedication to agricultural subjects placed him at the forefront of socially conscious art during the Second Empire. Unlike idealized Salon works, this piece offers an unvarnished view of life in rural France, reflecting a broader cultural shift toward naturalism. The surviving popularity of the Peasants Going to Work image speaks to the enduring appeal of Millet’s approach. This impression is held within the distinguished prints collection of the Art Institute of Chicago, making it an essential reference for understanding 19th-century French printmaking. As a significant historical work, prints of this important piece are often made available through public domain initiatives, ensuring widespread access to the master's profound vision.