Water Carrier 1887

Francis Davis Millet painted "Water Carrier" using oils on canvas, a combination of both traditional materials and methods. The artwork shows a woman in classical garb, a large water jug balanced on her shoulders. What makes it particularly interesting is the way Millet has rendered the weight and texture of the objects she carries. You can almost feel the heft of the water jug, sense the smooth, cool surface of the ceramic against her skin. The cloth draped around her body, painted with careful attention to its folds and floral pattern, adds another layer of materiality. Millet was part of the Aesthetic movement, which emphasized beauty and craftsmanship, but his work also reflects an interest in the everyday lives of people. "Water Carrier" invites us to consider not only the visual appeal of the scene but also the labor involved in carrying water, a task often performed by women throughout history. In exploring the materials, making, and social context of "Water Carrier," Millet encourages us to look beyond traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.