The Devil Sowing

The Devil Sowing by Jean François Millet French, 1814-1875 is a powerful allegorical drawing executed during a period of intense political and social turbulence in France. Created between 1848 and 1852, this work is rendered in graphite on ivory laid paper, which has since naturally faded to a cream tone, enhancing the stark atmosphere of the scene. The precise draftsmanship of the piece highlights Millet’s mastery of the medium, even when addressing subjects far removed from the rural scenes for which he is most renowned.

Millet, typically recognized for his dignified and poignant representations of French peasant life, took a significant turn toward direct social commentary and mythology with this composition. The drawing depicts a monstrous, demonic figure, symbolizing the Devil, forcefully broadcasting seeds across a barren and agitated landscape. This dramatic action is widely interpreted by scholars as a direct response to the volatile events surrounding the 1848 Revolution and the subsequent rise of the Second French Republic, where Millet perceived forces of political discord and destruction being deliberately sown into society.

The work served as a precursor to other studies and finished pieces, establishing a theme that resonated strongly with contemporary audiences grappling with rapid social change. The profound emotional weight carried by The Devil Sowing illustrates Millet’s ability to imbue simple subject matter with universal moral significance. This important example of French draftsmanship from 1848-1852 is held in the permanent collection of the Art Institute of Chicago, and its stature ensures that high-quality prints and reproductions of this mid-nineteenth century masterpiece are often found available through public domain collections today.