The Angelus 1857 - 1859

Jean-François Millet painted The Angelus using oil on canvas sometime in the mid-19th century. Though a painting, the processes of labor are central to its meaning. Look at the texture of the earth, rendered with thick, almost sculptural brushstrokes. This isn't just a pretty picture; it's a meditation on the hard work of farming. Millet knew this life firsthand, having grown up in a farming family. The dark, earthy tones emphasize the weight and density of the soil, a constant presence in the lives of these peasants. The subdued palette speaks to the somber reality of rural life, where survival depended on relentless labor. The workers pause to say their prayers, their tools cast aside for a moment of solemnity. Millet elevates the everyday labor of the working class. By doing so, he challenges the traditional hierarchy of art, bringing dignity and reverence to those who toiled the land.