Les Bêcheurs c. 1855 - 1856

Jean-François Millet created "Les Bêcheurs," or "The Diggers," using etching as his medium. Millet, who was born into a peasant family, sought to depict the lives of rural laborers with dignity and respect, during a time of significant social upheaval in France. The image captures two men in the midst of their backbreaking work, digging the earth. Their bodies are bent, and their faces are obscured, emphasizing the anonymity and the unending nature of their labor. In representing these workers, Millet challenges the traditional hierarchy in art, which often prioritized aristocratic or mythological subjects. Millet’s focus on the realities of peasant life reflects a broader concern with social justice and the value of labor, inviting us to reflect on the lives and contributions of those who often remain unseen.