The Wool Carder (ca. 1855–56, Met-Objekt 4912)
Original title: The Wool Carder
kurzbeschreibung
Jean-François Millet’s etching Die Wollkämmerin, made around 1855–56, shows a woman handling a wool comb. The print exists in only one state and measures 25.6 by 17.3 cm. It belongs to a series of graphic works in which Millet portrayed rural life.
Description
A woman sits at a table, holding a tool in her hands—most likely a wool comb. She wears a plain dress and a head covering; her gaze rests on her work. Another tool lies on the tabletop, and in the background a spinning machine is faintly indicated. The image is monochrome, the light falls evenly, and the style is realistic and rich in detail.
Context
During the 1850s Millet devoted himself closely to the everyday life of country people; this etching dates from that period. It takes its place in a series of prints that present domestic rural tasks. Such motifs were part of a broader artistic movement that established simple life as a dignified subject. Millet combined precise observation with a feeling for social issues.
Impact
Calm and concentration define the print and underline the dignity of work. The clear linework and restrained layout draw the eye to the woman and her activity without distraction. Through its monochrome palette, the motif feels serious and timeless.
Technique
The etching survives in a single state; there are no further printing states or reworkings. This technique allows fine, precise lines that capture the details of clothing and tools. The print was pulled on a sheet of 30.9 by 25.5 cm, while the plate measures 25.6 by 17.3 cm.
AI-generated description text
Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)