Young Woman

Young Woman is an accomplished, yet relatively early, painting by the influential French artist Jean-François Millet (1814–1875), executed around 1844–1845. Rendered in oil on canvas, this work belongs to a period before Millet fully dedicated himself to the rustic subject matter and social commentary that characterized his tenure with the Barbizon School and secured his place in art history. It serves as a testament to the diverse academic training Millet received, revealing his proficiency in conventional portraiture and figural study.

Created in the mid-19th century, this canvas differs significantly from the rougher textures and dramatic earth tones of his later, globally recognized masterpieces like The Sower. Instead, Young Woman utilizes a controlled technique focusing on the interplay of light and shadow, demonstrating the artist’s skill in modeling a delicate and introspective mood. The subject’s intimate gaze and careful articulation of features suggest the work may have been a private commission or an important preparatory study as Millet transitioned into the Parisian art scene.

The work is crucial for understanding the artistic evolution of Millet as he moved from traditional French academic practices toward Realism. While the artist’s most famous paintings focused on the demanding life of the peasantry, this earlier portrait offers a valuable look at his technical foundations. This oil painting forms part of the esteemed collection of European art at the Art Institute of Chicago. As a significant document of 19th century French art, the work is frequently studied; its status within the public domain also allows for wide accessibility, ensuring that high-quality prints and digital images are readily available to scholars and enthusiasts worldwide.