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The sower

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.

The sower
Image: © Amgueddfa Cymru - Museum Wales
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Collection Area

Art

Item Number

NMW A 2474

Creation/Production

MILLET, Jean-François
Date: 1847-1848

Acquisition

Bequest, 10/4/1952

Measurements

Height (cm): 95.3
Width (cm): 61.3
Height (in): 37
Width (in): 24

Techniques

oil on canvas
Techniques (fine art)
art dept - fine
Fine Art - painting

Material

oil
canvas

Location

In store

Categories

Paentiad | Painting Celf Gain | Fine Art Astudiaeth ffurf | Figure study Bywyd cyfoes | Contemporary life Amaethyddiaeth | Agriculture Realaeth | Realism
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