Stehende Frau, emporblickend, vom Rücken gesehen 

Jean-François Millet made this drawing, "Standing Woman, Looking Up, Seen from the Back," with graphite. Millet lived in mid-19th-century France, a period defined by a dramatic shift in artistic focus. Artists moved away from traditional academic themes toward depicting the lives of ordinary people, especially rural workers. This sketch offers insight into the cultural values and social realities of Millet's time. The woman's upward gaze, coupled with her simple attire, prompts reflection on the role of women and labor in French society. Did Millet intend to elevate the status of the working class, or was he simply capturing a slice of life? Scholars often consult letters, biographies, and exhibition reviews to better understand this. Art history, therefore, isn't just about aesthetics; it's about understanding the complex interplay between art, society, and historical context.