The Shepherdess

The Shepherdess is a poignant print created in 1863 by Jean François Millet (French, 1814-1875), executed as a woodcut with subtle graphite additions on tan wove paper. This specific edition, classified as a print, was produced by Jean-Baptiste Millet, demonstrating a collaborative effort to translate the artist's vision into a reproductive medium.

Millet, a pivotal figure in 19th-century French Realism and the Barbizon School, was renowned for his commitment to depicting the humble dignity of rural life. While acclaimed for his oil paintings, the artist utilized printmaking techniques like the woodcut to broaden the accessibility of his powerful subjects. The inherent characteristics of the woodcut medium lend themselves to strong outlines and simplified, robust forms, emphasizing the rustic character of the shepherdess and her surroundings. The presence of graphite additions suggests that the artist or printer was actively refining or developing the image directly on the printed surface, potentially experimenting with shading or details that the wood block lacked.

The work exemplifies Millet’s focus on the peasant laborer, a subject matter that defined his career and provided a serious, often solemn, counterbalance to the idealized scenes of the Academic tradition in France. The Shepherdess captures a direct, immediate feel typical of these graphic works. As a significant example of 19th-century printmaking, this piece resides in the esteemed collection of the Art Institute of Chicago. The enduring influence of Millet ensures that his masterful prints, many of which now belong to the public domain, remain vital objects of study across the globe.