The Departure for Work

The Departure for Work, created by Jean François Millet (French, 1814-1875) in 1857, exemplifies the artist's dedication to depicting rural life and the dignity inherent in physical labor. Classified as a drawing, this piece is masterfully executed using pastel and charcoal on cream laid paper. Millet’s choice of soft media allows him to create deep shadows and atmospheric texture, effectively capturing the somber light and intimate mood of a family beginning their day at dawn.

The composition focuses intimately on agricultural workers, often seen as marginalized figures in nineteenth-century society. Millet often championed the peasant class, elevating scenes of everyday toil to the level of serious fine art. This approach firmly places the drawing within the French Realist movement, which sought to portray ordinary, unidealized subjects, marking a significant departure from the romanticized academic styles prevalent at the time.

The skilled modeling and contrast achieved through the blend of pastel and charcoal suggest that this work may have served as a highly resolved study for a subsequent painting or a preparatory stage for producing prints. As a prominent figure associated with the Barbizon School, Millet’s unflinching commitment to depicting the realities of rural life made him an influential figure across Europe and the United States. This significant 1857 drawing, which offers profound insight into the social history of France during this period, is held in the expansive collection of the Art Institute of Chicago. Reproductions of works like this often enter the public domain, ensuring broad accessibility to Millet's enduring portrayal of the working class.