The Diggers

The Diggers is a powerful etching created by Jean-François Millet, an artist whose career spanned the years 1814 to 1875. This highly finished print, executed on thin laid paper, is cataloged by the Metropolitan Museum of Art as the fourth and final state of the plate. The etching technique allowed Millet to achieve a rich density of line and shadow, meticulously detailing the textures of the soil, the worn clothing, and the figures themselves.

Millet was a central figure in the Barbizon School and a driving force behind 19th-century French Realism, focusing his efforts on the often-overlooked lives of rural laborers. This work captures men engaged in strenuous working, a constant subject throughout Millet's career. Instead of romanticizing the agricultural existence, Millet portrayed the physical strain and inherent dignity involved in demanding tasks like digging. The figures are grounded and solid, emphasizing the bodily commitment required for their labor.

The composition underscores Millet’s commitment to documenting the reality of working life. His emphasis on men performing essential, unglamorous tasks served as a subtle commentary on social conditions in France during his era. Prints like this were highly influential, disseminating Millet's realist aesthetic beyond the confines of oil painting. Today, The Diggers remains a significant example of Millet's printmaking mastery and is preserved in the esteemed collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Because of their historical age and importance, high-resolution images of many of these masterworks, including important prints by Millet, are now often available in the public domain for study and appreciation.