The Spinner

The Spinner, executed by Jean François Millet French, 1814-1875 between 1868 and 1869, is a powerful example of the artist's dedication to depicting rural labor and domestic life. This work is classified as a print, utilizing the complex techniques of etching and drypoint on ivory laid Japanese paper. The choice of paper adds a delicate texture that contrasts with the gravitas of the subject matter. Produced during a pivotal period of Realism in France, the print focuses intimately on the solitary figure of a woman engaged in spinning thread, a ubiquitous, yet often unseen, component of agricultural existence.

Millet frequently incorporated drypoint into his prints to achieve rich, velvety black lines and expressive shading, visible here in the handling of the woman's drapery and the deep, atmospheric background. Etching allowed for precise detailing, lending a sense of authenticity to the tools of her trade. Unlike many of his contemporaries, Millet’s depictions of labor avoid sentimentalizing the subject, instead conveying the quiet dignity and demanding nature of peasant work. His sustained interest in these themes firmly established him as a key figure in 19th-century French art, influencing subsequent generations of artists concerned with social commentary and the dignity of the working class.

This exceptional example of Millet's graphic output is held in the permanent collection of the Art Institute of Chicago. As a late work in the artist's career, The Spinner summarizes his lifelong commitment to elevated depictions of agrarian life and the enduring themes of human toil. Today, high-quality prints of this important piece are often made available through museum and public domain initiatives, ensuring widespread access to the masterworks of this French Realist.