Woman Emptying a Bucket
Original title: Woman Emptying a Bucket
kurzbeschreibung
Jean-François Millet's woodcut Frau, die einen Eimer leert was made between 1834 and 1875. It shows a peasant woman in simple clothing pouring a bucket into a large vessel. The image is monochrome and realistic in style.
Description
On a path bordered by a wall, the woman stands and empties a bucket into a large container, likely a water tank. Her plain dress with an apron points to a rural setting. A wall and a gate behind her suggest a farmyard. Light falls evenly, with no visible shadows, indicating a time of day without direct sunlight. The arrangement is clear and centred on the woman's action.
Context
Jean-François Millet, a French painter and printmaker of Realism, is known for his portrayals of peasant labour. This woodcut belongs to a period when he was deeply engaged with country life. Showing a woman at domestic work fits his interest in everyday scenes. The print survives in a single state and is part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's graphic collection.
Impact
The scene feels calm and dignified, without sentimental heightening. The plain layout and even lighting give it a timeless, almost monumental quality. With remarkable precision, the woodcut emphasises the everyday action and invites close looking.
Technique
The woodcut exists in only one state and was printed in black and white on paper. The technique allows fine lines and detailed rendering of textures, as seen in the clothing and surroundings. The block measures 14.1 x 9.4 cm, the sheet 22.2 x 16.2 cm.
AI-generated description text
Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)