Jean-François Millet

Definition

Jean-François Millet was a French painter known for his depictions of rural life and the working class, embodying the principles of Realism in art. His focus on peasant subjects and everyday labor highlighted the dignity of work, connecting him to both the Barbizon School's emphasis on nature and plein air painting, as well as the broader movement rejecting idealism in favor of depicting the truth of human experience.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Millet was born on October 4, 1814, in Gréville-Hague, France, and became a leading figure in the Realist movement.
2. His most famous works include 'The Gleaners' and 'The Angelus', which emphasize the labor and spirituality of rural life.
3. Millet often depicted peasant scenes that showcased the struggles and dignity of farmers, influencing future artists and movements focused on social realism.
4. He became associated with the Barbizon School due to his love for nature and plein air painting, often working outdoors to capture the essence of rural landscapes.
5. Millet's artistic philosophy aligned with a shift towards appreciating common people and their labor, challenging traditional academic standards that favored grand historical or mythological subjects.

Review Questions

• How did Jean-François Millet's approach to depicting rural life influence the perception of peasants in art during his time?
  • Millet's approach to depicting rural life significantly changed how peasants were viewed in art. By focusing on their struggles, dignity, and daily tasks, he elevated their status from mere background figures to subjects worthy of deep reflection. His works like 'The Gleaners' highlighted their humanity and contributed to a broader acceptance of Realism, making ordinary life a valid artistic subject.
• Compare and contrast Millet's style with that of other Barbizon School artists and discuss how they collectively impacted plein air painting.
  • Millet's style was characterized by earthy tones and a focus on the physicality of labor, setting him apart from some Barbizon School artists who leaned more towards romanticized landscapes. However, all members shared a commitment to capturing natural beauty outdoors. Collectively, they advanced plein air painting by emphasizing direct observation of nature and spontaneous expression, which laid groundwork for later Impressionists.
• Evaluate Millet's role in the transition from Romanticism to Realism in 19th-century art, focusing on his thematic choices and techniques.
  • Millet played a crucial role in the transition from Romanticism to Realism by shifting thematic choices from idealized nature and heroic subjects to realistic portrayals of everyday life and labor. His techniques included using earthy colors and loose brushwork to convey emotion and atmosphere. This shift not only challenged existing artistic norms but also paved the way for future movements that would continue exploring social themes through realism in art.

Related terms

Realism: An art movement that emerged in the mid-19th century, Realism sought to depict subjects as they were, focusing on everyday life and ordinary people rather than idealized forms.

Barbizon School: A group of 19th-century painters who worked in the village of Barbizon, France, focusing on natural landscapes and scenes from rural life, paving the way for modern landscape painting.

Plein Air Painting: The practice of painting outdoors directly from the landscape, allowing artists to capture natural light and atmosphere, which was central to the works of the Barbizon School.