En gård mellem træer, Vichy (Allier) 1866

Jean-François Millet made this drawing of a farmyard in Vichy, France, using ink on paper. Look closely, and you’ll see how Millet used the fluidity of the ink to capture the scene. The thin lines suggest the shapes of the buildings and trees, but there's a real sense of the artist capturing the scene spontaneously. Drawings like this were vital to Millet's process, and his commitment to depicting rural life. As you can see, it's not about grand statements but about the close observation and recording of everyday life. This approach was radical at a time when art was focused on historical or mythological subjects. The quick, gestural marks speak to the pace of rural life, and reflect the artist's deep connection to the land and its people. Millet reminds us that even the simplest materials, like paper and ink, can be used to create powerful and meaningful artworks. Ultimately, this work challenges the traditional hierarchy between fine art and the crafts, because it elevates the representation of the rural worker to the status of high art.