Proof from a block of sketches

Proof from a block of sketches is a significant woodcut created by Jean-François Millet, executed between 1834 and 1875. This particular print, categorized as the second (final) state, utilizes the robust technique of woodcut on delicate china paper, which was subsequently laid down on card for necessary preservation. Although recognized primarily for his monumental paintings of agrarian life, Millet dedicated considerable effort to the graphic arts, utilizing the density of black and white to achieve powerful effects.

The piece functions not as a single unified composition, but as an experimental collection of sketches. It features several studies of Human Figures, often rendered in sharp Profile, exploring the contours and expressions of common people. This arrangement allowed Millet to efficiently explore various facial structures and compositional ideas on a single block, treating the medium as a direct equivalent to his sketchbook. The stark contrasts inherent in the woodcut process, evident in this piece, effectively highlight the strong lines and underlying dignity of the subjects.

Although the block was worked on by Millet during his lifetime, this specific impression of Proof from a block of sketches is a posthumous pull, printed after the artist's death in 1875. This method of producing prints allowed the artist's graphic work to circulate widely, solidifying his influence in 19th-century French art. This important example of Millet's studies is held within the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Because of its date and historical significance, the work is often referenced, and high-quality images of such prints are frequently found in public domain archives, ensuring its continued accessibility to scholars and the general public.