Going to Work 1853

Jean-François Millet painted "Going to Work" using oil on canvas, capturing a man and woman on their way to the fields. Millet lived through the 1848 French Revolution, a period of significant social upheaval and calls for greater equality. In "Going to Work," the artist elevates the rural worker to a position worthy of respect and admiration. These figures aren't idealized; instead, there's a palpable sense of the weight of their labor, a theme Millet explored throughout his career. The woman walks with her head bowed, a bonnet framing her face, while the man strides forward, pitchfork in hand. Their clothing is simple and worn, reflecting their class and the demands of their work. Millet’s work invites us to reflect on the lives of those who sustain society through their labor. It captures an emotional and intimate view of the everyday lives of the working class.