The Wood Sawyers
1851
oil
From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum
1851
oil
From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum
You see two men sawing a large log in a rural setting. They're working hard, and the scene feels quiet and simple. The way Millet shows everyday life is what makes this painting interesting, as it gives a glimpse into the daily struggles of peasants. To learn more about similar uses of light and shadow, look up the technique: chiaroscuro.
