The Wool Carder (La cardeuse)

The Wool Carder (La cardeuse) is a compelling etching created by Jean-François Millet between 1850 and 1860. This print exemplifies Millet’s enduring focus on rural labor and the dignity of the peasantry, key themes central to French Realism in the mid-19th century. Although executed in the subsequent decade, the work aligns thematically with the artistic movements and interests prevalent during the period of 1826 to 1850, when Millet was developing his signature style.

The piece centers on a solitary figure engaged in the arduous task of carding wool, an essential preliminary step in processing raw fiber. Millet masters the demanding medium of etching to render the figure with heavy shadow and rich textural detail. The contrast between the dark tonality of the setting and the concentrated light falling upon the woman highlights her dedication to her task, emphasizing the physical reality of her labor. Millet’s strong, economical line work defines the woman’s heavy clothing and the rustic tools of her trade, positioning the subject not as a mere anecdote, but as a powerful, unsentimental representation of working life.

As a prominent member of the Barbizon school, Millet produced significant work not only in oil painting but also in graphic media, resulting in a number of highly influential prints. The raw, honest depiction of the worker cemented Millet’s reputation as a pioneer of realistic social commentary during a rapidly changing era of French history. The Wool Carder (La cardeuse) is currently held in the esteemed collection of the National Gallery of Art. Given the historical importance of the artist and the age of the print, high-resolution images of this powerful work are often available for educational study and reproduction through public domain access programs.