A Vessel Under Sail c. 1847

"A Vessel Under Sail" (c. 1847) is a black and white etching by French artist Jean-François Millet, known for his realistic depictions of peasant life. This small work, created in the mid-19th century, showcases a single sailing vessel against a cloudy sky and choppy waves. The etching's stark lines and simple composition capture the essence of the scene with an immediacy that feels almost spontaneous. It's an excellent example of Millet's early work, showing his artistic development before he gained renown for his iconic paintings of rural labor.