The Spinner

The Spinner by Jean François Millet French, 1814-1875, is an exemplary work demonstrating the artist's mastery of printmaking during the latter part of his career. Created between 1868 and 1869, this piece is an etching and drypoint executed on ivory laid paper. Millet’s choice of medium highlights the texture and depth of the scene; the meticulous etching allows for consistent line work, while the drypoint technique produces rich, velvety burrs, lending a tactile quality to the clothing and the setting.

Millet, a foundational figure in the Barbizon School, frequently focused his artistic attention on the unromanticized realities of rural life in 19th-century France. This particular print centers on a solitary female figure engaged in the essential domestic task of spinning thread. The artist consistently imbued his laborers with a solemn dignity, elevating everyday work above simple genre scenes. The simplicity of the composition and the subdued lighting common in his works emphasize the quiet industry of the subject, reflecting the deep respect Millet held for agricultural and domestic toil.

This significant print by Millet (1814-1875) is currently housed in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago, where it serves as an important example of French Realist printmaking. The enduring artistic merit of works like The Spinner secures their place in art history. As with many important 19th-century works on paper, high-resolution images of classic prints such as this are often made available through public domain initiatives, allowing global access to the detailed line work and evocative atmosphere Millet created through his unique handling of etching and drypoint.