Study: Nude Woman Seen from the Back (recto) Sketches of Peasants Working (verso) c. 1846

Jean-François Millet rendered this study of a nude woman from the back in delicate charcoal lines. The figure's pose, with her hands clasped behind her head, is an ancient motif—a posture of vulnerability, but also of a quiet strength. We find echoes of this pose across centuries, from classical sculptures to Renaissance paintings. Think of similar figures depicted in the works of Michelangelo. Yet, each iteration carries its own cultural weight. Here, the rough strokes and the stark realism of the drawing evoke a sense of earthy humanity, a departure from idealized forms. The gesture of raised arms and exposed back, recurring throughout art history, speaks to a universal subconscious recognition of surrender. Ultimately, Millet's drawing captures a moment of introspection, reminding us of the enduring power of the human form to evoke deep emotional responses. It is a powerful echo of human experience passed down through time.