Harvesters Resting 1853

Jean-François Millet painted ‘Harvesters Resting’ in France. Considered one of the founders of the Barbizon School, Millet and his colleagues aimed to represent rural life and the beauty of the French countryside. This focus was a reaction to the social and political changes of the time, particularly the rapid industrialization and urbanization that were transforming French society. Millet challenged the prevailing artistic norms of his time, and his decision to depict the lives of ordinary peasants was radical. In doing so, he elevated the status of the working class and brought attention to their struggles and experiences. ‘Harvesters Resting’ suggests that the labourer has a place in high art. Although it doesn't directly critique the institutional structures, it prompts viewers to reconsider whose stories are being told and valued within the art world. To fully grasp Millet's artistic contributions, we can research the Barbizon School, French rural life, and how art academies reacted to these movements. This helps us appreciate art's deep connection to cultural and institutional backgrounds.