Portrait of Mister le Courtois, the Artist’s Brother-in-Law c. 1841 - 1848

Jean-François Millet’s “Portrait of Mister le Courtois, the Artist’s Brother-in-Law” is a striking example of Realism in portraiture, dating from c. 1841-1848. Millet, known for his depictions of peasant life, focuses on the sitter’s features in a direct, unidealized manner, highlighting his brother-in-law’s sober expression and the texture of his clothing. The sitter is rendered in a naturalistic style, capturing the individual’s essence rather than conforming to classical ideals of beauty. This painting underscores Millet’s artistic development before his later, more iconic works.