Seated Shepherdess
Original title: Seated Shepherdess
kurzbeschreibung
Jean-François Millet made "Sitzende Schäferin" (Seated Shepherdess) between 1830 and 1875 as a woodcut. It shows a young woman in rural dress sitting before a flock of sheep, a stick in her hand. The print was issued on chine collé in the second of two states.
Description
A female figure sits in the foreground, wearing a simple head covering; an apron falls across her shoulder. Both hands rest on a stick that touches the ground. Behind her, several sheep graze quietly in a flat, open landscape broken by occasional trees and shrubs. Delicate strokes suggest the sky and add to the quiet mood. Black on white, lines of varying thickness stand out, giving the image depth and texture.
Context
Millet is counted among the leading figures of the Barbizon school and devoted his work to peasant life. This woodcut falls in a period when he was deeply engaged with rural labor. The motif of the shepherdess recurs several times in his oeuvre and emphasizes closeness to nature as well as the dignity of agricultural work. At lower right the sheet bears the signature "J.F. Millet."
Impact
The print gives off a calm, almost meditative mood that invites lingering and reflection on the simplicity of country life. Finely placed lines and a balanced layout lend the view a timeless elegance that goes beyond mere record. Because color is absent, attention turns entirely to the graphic quality and texture of the motif.
Technique
For this woodcut the motif was cut into a woodblock and then printed. The chine collé process allowed the thin paper to be glued onto a support sheet, which improved print quality. Varying line weights and precisely worked textures demonstrate Millet's skill in printmaking.
AI-generated description text
Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)