Normandy c. 1853 - 1854

"Normandy" is a pencil sketch by Jean-François Millet, created between 1853 and 1854. It depicts a rural landscape, characterized by a church steeple rising above the rooftops of a village in Normandy. The loose, gestural lines of the sketch capture the essence of the scene, suggesting the artist's quick observation of the subject matter. The simple composition and focus on the architectural elements highlight Millet's keen eye for detail and his ability to translate the essence of place into a dynamic composition. This sketch, like many of his works, explores the daily life and environment of rural France.