Who painted Going to work?

Going to work was painted by Jean François Millet in 1863.

Where can I see Going to work?

Going to work is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is Going to work?

Going to work is associated with Impressionism.

Can I buy a print of Going to work?

Museum-quality prints of Going to work are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Going to work

Jean François Millet , 1863

Going to work is a print by the Impressionist artist Jean François Millet. It dates from 1863 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

Accession no.: 1918.115
Credit line: Gift of Frederick Keppel and Co., Inc., The Frederick Keppel Memorial

About this work

Overview

Going to Work, a print by Jean-François Millet, dates to 1863. As a leading figure of the Barbizon school and Realism, Millet emphasized the daily lives of rural workers in 19th-century France.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts two peasants walking through a field, capturing an unremarkable moment in their daily routine. The subjects' attire and tools (a long dress and bonnet, a wide-brimmed hat and shoulder-borne tool) underscore their laborer status, highlighting Millet's focus on everyday peasant experiences.

Technique & Style

Millet employed simple, expressive lines to convey the texture of the peasants' clothing and the rough terrain. The composition's subdued tone and lack of grandeur align with Realist principles, prioritizing authenticity over embellishment.

History & Provenance

Created in 1863, Going to Work is characteristic of Millet's mid-career output within the Realist movement. Specific provenance details are not provided.

Context

This work reflects the broader Realist movement's shift in focus towards the lives of common people, particularly rural laborers, during the mid-19th century in France.

Departure for Work (Le depart pour le travail), Jean François Millet

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Artist & collection

Artist

Jean François Millet

Jean-François Millet (French pronunciation:; 4 October 1814 – 20 January 1875) was a French painter and one of the founders of the Barbizon school in rural France.