The Parable of the Tares 1865

Sir John Everett Millais made this painting, The Parable of the Tares, with oil paint, a very common material at the time. What's interesting is how Millais uses this medium to evoke the physicality of labor and the moral implications of work. The thick application of paint gives a tactile quality to the sower's garments and the earth he treads. You can almost feel the weight of the seed bag and the rough texture of the soil. This attention to the materiality of the scene underscores the physical effort involved in sowing. The artist uses dark tones and earth colors, which make the figure blend with the environment. This choice may reflect the artist's view of the working class as part of the natural world. It also invites us to consider the social and economic context of agricultural labor in Millais's time. Paying attention to the material choices helps us appreciate the artist's commentary on labor, class, and morality, challenging the traditional hierarchy of fine art by bringing attention to the everyday realities of human toil.