Sheepshearing

Sheepshearing by Jean-François Millet, executed in 1855, is a significant example of mid-19th century French graphic arts. Classified as a print, this piece utilizes the demanding technique of wood engraving presented on chine collé, where a thin, delicate sheet of paper is adhered to a heavier backing support during the printing process. Millet often focused on depicting agrarian life and the honest labor associated with it, aligning himself firmly with the emerging Realist movement that prioritized the unvarnished portrayal of working-class people.

The composition captures the demanding physical work involved in the seasonal task of wool harvesting. The figures are positioned centrally, emphasizing the bodily effort required. We observe men performing the heavy work of shearing, while women often appear engaged in processing the wool or caring for the flock. Millet endowed the laborers with quiet dignity, portraying them not as sentimentalized subjects, but as essential components of the agricultural economy. The stark contrast and intricate line work achievable through wood engraving enhance the textures of the animals' coats and the simple clothing of the working subjects.

This important print is currently held within the esteemed collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. As with many popular 19th-century works, the medium of prints helped disseminate Millet’s powerful social commentary to a wider audience beyond the high art world. Today, due to its age, works like Sheepshearing often fall into the public domain, allowing broad access to reproductions of Millet’s pivotal contributions to the history of Realism.