The Seamstress

The Seamstress is an important print created by Jean-François Millet in 1853. This intimate study of domestic labor utilizes the demanding medium of etching, printed specifically on chine collé. The use of this preparation technique, where thin Asian paper is adhered to a heavier backing sheet, allowed Millet to achieve enhanced inking and delicate textural effects, particularly evident in the deep chiaroscuro of the scene. The specific impression residing in the Metropolitan Museum of Art collection is identified as the second state, showcasing the developing mastery of Millet in printmaking techniques.

Millet, an artist recognized primarily for his large canvases depicting rural life and peasant struggles, frequently employed prints to explore quieter, more focused subjects. This etching captures a woman engrossed entirely in her needlework, an occupation synonymous with the meticulous and often poorly compensated work of the urban working class in mid-19th century France. The composition emphasizes concentration and solitary toil, aligning this piece with the rising tide of the Realist movement, which sought to portray the honest realities of laboring individuals.

The execution of The Seamstress highlights Millet’s ability to imbue everyday scenes with dignity. The heavy shadows and deeply incised lines enhance the sense of quiet intensity surrounding the subject, making the viewer a silent observer of her necessary occupation. As a critical example of his graphic output, this piece demonstrates how Millet elevated scenes of common labor to serious art. This significant work documenting working women is a valued part of the distinguished collection of 19th-century European prints and drawings at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.