The Portrait of Narcisse Virgile Diaz de la Peña by Jean-François Millet, executed in 1848, captures the likeness of the influential French painter who was a key member of the Barbizon School. This work provides significant insight into Millet's network and artistic life just prior to his full commitment to rural subjects and his move outside of Paris. The subject, Narcisse Virgile Diaz de la Peña, was a contemporary and associate of Millet, underscoring the connections within the artistic circles of France during a politically tumultuous year.
Millet created this piece using black chalk, expertly applying heightened details through touches of pale green-blue chalk. This subtle use of color against the dark chalk adds a unique dimensionality to the drawing, moving it beyond a standard preparatory sketch. The artist’s characteristic attention to the physical presence and psychological intensity of his subject is fully realized here, relying on robust draftsmanship to define character and form.
Classified strictly as a drawing, this 1848 work is an excellent example of Millet’s early mastery of line and tone before the full development of his oil painting career. The historical and artistic importance of this piece ensures that it is frequently reproduced; high-quality digital assets are often made available through public domain initiatives, allowing scholars and enthusiasts to access prints for study. This historically significant work of draftsmanship is currently held in the permanent collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
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