Two Men Digging

"Two Men Digging" by Jean François Millet (French, 1814-1875), printed by Auguste Delâtre (French, 1822-1907), is a seminal work of 19th-century Realism focusing on the dignity and toil of the rural working class. Executed between 1855 and 1856, this detailed print is an etching rendered in dark brown ink on cream laid paper. Millet’s dedication to agricultural subject matter challenged prevailing academic tastes by elevating the ordinary peasant to heroic stature.

The etching technique, which provides a rich texture and immediacy, perfectly captures the physical exertion of the two laborers. The composition emphasizes the heavy tools and the rough ground, immersing the viewer in the scene of continuous, demanding work typical of rural France during the mid-1800s. The collaboration between Millet, the draftsman, and Auguste Delâtre, a master printer and central figure in the etching revival, ensured the technical quality and distribution of these important social commentaries. Delâtre was known for his ability to achieve subtle tonal variations, enhancing the somber mood of the image.

Millet’s commitment to recording the realities of peasant life made him a highly influential figure within the Barbizon School. This specific impression of Two Men Digging is housed in the permanent collection of the Art Institute of Chicago, offering scholars access to a key example of 19th-century French prints. The enduring power of the image, often shared in the public domain, secures its place as an iconic representation of labor in European art.