Jean-François Millet
Jean-François Millet (1814–1875) was a French painter and one of the founders of the Barbizon School, best known for his depictions of peasant life. Born in Gruchy, Normandy, Millet studied at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris, where he initially painted portraits. He later shifted his focus to rural life, creating iconic works such as The Gleaners (1857) and The Angelus (1859). His paintings emphasized the dignity of labor and the hardships of agricultural life, capturing the lives of peasants with a sense of empathy and realism.
Millet's work was often controversial, as his depictions of rural poverty were seen as socially charged during a time of political upheaval in France. Nevertheless, his influence was far-reaching, extending to later generations of artists, including the Realists and early Impressionists. His works are housed in major museums, including the Musée d'Orsay and the Louvre in Paris.
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Full Name: Jean-François Millet
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Birth and Death: 1814–1875
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Profession: Painter
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Influences: Barbizon School, Realism
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Legacy: Known for his empathetic depictions of peasant life, Millet’s works are housed in institutions such as the Musée d'Orsay and the Louvre.
