The Spinner

The Spinner is a print created by the esteemed French Realist artist Jean François Millet (1814-1875) between 1868 and 1869. Classified as a print, this powerful yet intimate depiction of labor was executed using the demanding technique of etching on ivory laid paper. Millet’s meticulous handling of the needle and acid allows for rich, nuanced shadows and sharp, precise lines that define the form of the working figure. This medium underscores the texture of the rustic environment and the tactile nature of the subject’s work.

Millet was a central figure in 19th-century French art, known for his unvarnished portrayals of peasant life. This period saw rapid industrial change, and the artist used his work to assert the dignity and timelessness of agricultural and domestic labor. The Spinner aligns with his consistent commitment to realism, focusing intensely on the solitary figure caught mid-task. The composition emphasizes the quiet concentration required for spinning, turning a common chore into a moment of profound visual integrity. Such images provided a social and philosophical commentary, contrasting sharply with the idealized history paintings favored by the French Academy.

This significant work demonstrates Millet’s technical mastery in creating delicate yet robust prints late in his career. The etching medium afforded him a means to disseminate his imagery widely, increasing the reach of his compassionate realism. This specific impression is held within the distinguished collection of the Art Institute of Chicago. As many seminal prints from this period are now available through public domain initiatives, scholars and viewers globally can continue to study the artist’s contribution to the history of French graphic arts.