Sketches

The print titled Sketches was created by Jean François Millet French, 1814-1875, during the final creative period spanning 1863 to 1875. This work is classified as a print, executed using the demanding technique of woodcut on specialized ivory laid China paper.

Millet, widely known for his commitment to depicting peasant life and rural labor in 19th-century France, utilized the graphic arts medium extensively throughout the later stages of his career. Although often associated with oil paintings, the artist found that printmaking, including etching and woodcut, offered a direct and intimate means of expression ideal for conveying raw studies. The choice of woodcut, in particular, requires the block cutter to carve away the negative space, leaving the image raised in relief. This meticulous process results in the bold, strong lines and sharp contrasts characteristic of this piece.

The title Sketches suggests the compilation of preparatory drawings or rapid studies captured in this single composition. Created during a significant period of artistic upheaval, this graphic work demonstrates Millet’s enduring commitment to the formal study of the human figure and his surroundings, often providing foundational ideas for later paintings.

The decade leading up to the artist's death saw a prolific output of such detailed prints, ensuring a wide circulation of his creative ideas. Given its historical age and cultural significance, the work is accessible globally, often researched and viewed through public domain initiatives. This important example of French graphic art from the 19th century is now housed in the extensive collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.