Jean-François Millet

Jean-François Millet (1814-1875) was a French painter known for his depictions of rural life, particularly peasant labor. His work, often characterized by its realism and focus on the dignity of labor, was a hallmark of the Barbizon school. Born in Gruchy, France, he spent much of his career near the village of Barbizon, where he found inspiration in the natural world and the lives of those who worked the land. His most famous works, such as "The Gleaners" and "The Angelus," capture the simple beauty and inherent struggles of rural life. His paintings often feature muted palettes, emphasizing the textures of the earth and the figures’ hard-working bodies, portraying their perseverance and dignity in the face of poverty.