Two Men Digging

Two Men Digging is a powerful etching created by Jean François Millet (French, 1814-1875), and printed by Auguste Delâtre (French, 1822-1907), dating from 1855-1856. Executed in the challenging medium of etching on ivory laid paper, this print showcases the artist’s mastery of graphic technique, using thick, dense lines to convey texture and physical exertion.

Millet was a foundational figure in the Realist movement in 19th-century France, renowned for dedicating his artistic output to the lives of agricultural laborers. The composition focuses intimately on two monumental figures fully absorbed in the difficult physical act of digging. The artist deliberately elevates these humble figures, positioning them centrally and emphasizing their connection to the land and the dignity of their arduous work. Unlike romanticized pastoral scenes, this piece presents an unvarnished view of peasant life, challenging the academic tastes of the era.

This work serves as an important record of Millet’s graphic production. Though widely celebrated for his oil paintings, his prints were vital tools for disseminating his social and artistic philosophies to a broader European audience. The collaborative printing by Auguste Delâtre ensured the quality and precision necessary for these complex prints. As a crucial example of French Realism, this significant artwork resides in the permanent collection of the Art Institute of Chicago. High-quality reproductions of this work are often made available through public domain initiatives, allowing broader study of Millet's commitment to recording rural labor.