The Wheat Reaper

The Wheat Reaper by Jean-François Millet, created in 1853, is a significant example of the artist's dedication to depicting rural existence through printmaking. Classified specifically as a woodcut and pulled as a proof on chine collé, the technique involves adhering a thin, delicate paper sheet to a heavier backing during printing. This method yields a print with enhanced detail and tonal richness, demonstrating Millet's refined approach to the graphic arts during this period. Although perhaps better known for his paintings of peasants, Millet dedicated substantial energy to developing his printmaking oeuvre, viewing techniques like the woodcut as powerful tools for wide-reaching social commentary.

The subject matter directly addresses the reality of working men, focusing on a single, powerful figure engaged in the relentless physical labor of the harvest. The woodcut medium, with its capacity for bold lines and stark shadow, emphasizes the arduous nature of the task and the robust form of the reaper. This focus on unromanticized, everyday life aligns Millet firmly with the burgeoning Realist movement in mid-19th century France. The piece is a crucial study in his exploration of agricultural themes and embodies the inherent dignity he found in manual labor. This significant historical print is housed in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, providing insight into both the technical mastery and the social concerns driving Millet's influential career.