7. Migration 1909

Francis Davis Millet made this painting of a wagon train, called ‘Migration’, and you can see it’s made with a confident hand, each mark carefully placed. There’s something so deliberate about the way he's handled the paint. Look at the way Millet renders the covered wagon and its contents, a patchwork quilt and wooden chest. The artist's brushwork creates a strong sense of texture, from the rough canvas of the wagon cover to the smooth surface of the luggage. Notice the contrast between the solid, earthy tones of the wagon and the open, sunlit landscape. The colors are muted, reflecting the harsh realities of pioneer life. The two figures walking alongside the wagon each carrying tools, appear determined and resilient. Millet captures them with a keen eye for detail, emphasizing their strength and perseverance in the face of adversity. Like the Ashcan painters, perhaps? Anyway, this feels less raw, and more of an idealised migration. Ultimately, it’s about the ongoing conversation of artists responding to history.