"Woman Cutting Wheat," created by Jean-François Millet in 1853, is a powerful example of the artist's dedication to depicting rural labor. This print, executed as a woodcut on chine collé, aligns with Millet's broader Realist agenda, which sought to elevate the lives and struggles of agricultural workers in mid-19th century France.
The composition focuses tightly on a single female figure engaged in the arduous task of harvesting wheat. Millet utilizes the strong, deliberate lines inherent in the woodcut technique to emphasize the physicality of the work. The dark forms convey the weighty presence of the woman as she bends over the field, scythe in hand. This portrayal of working women was radical for its time, challenging the dominant academic styles that often romanticized or ignored the realities of peasant life.
Produced during a period when Millet was deeply entrenched in the Barbizon area, this work reflects the socio-economic pressures facing French farmers following the 1848 revolution. The piece underscores the vital role women played in agrarian economies. While primarily celebrated for his oil paintings, Millet produced significant graphic works, and this particular print demonstrates his exceptional proficiency across media. The original impression of Woman Cutting Wheat resides in the renowned collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Because of its historical significance, quality reproductions and prints of this impactful depiction of labor are often made accessible through public domain initiatives.
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