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The sower
Artist: MILLET, Jean-François (1814-1875)
Executed in 1847-48, this is a preliminary version of the painting of a peasant sowing with which Millet made his name at the Salon of 1850-51. Here the sower is a faltering figure enveloped by his surroundings, his seed threatened by hungry birds. On the horizon are two grazing cattle. The steep landscape is that of Millet's native Cherbourg peninsula. This poignant scene recalls the biblical parable and is a moving image of an opresed social class. It was purchased by Gwendoline Davies in 1911.
Image: © Amgueddfa Cymru - National Museum Wales
Collection Area
Art
Item Number
NMW A 2474
Creation/Production
MILLET, Jean-François
Role: Creation
Date: 1847-1848
Acquisition
Bequest, 10/4/1952
Measurements
Height: 95.3cm
Width: 61.3cm
Techniques
oil on canvas
Techniques (fine art)
art dept - fine
Fine Art - painting
Material
oil
canvas
Location
In store
Comments - (2)