The Two Cows c. 1847

"The Two Cows" is an etching created in 1847 by Jean-François Millet. This artwork, now housed in The Art Institute of Chicago, depicts a rural scene with two cows being led by a figure, likely a farmer, in the midst of a simple landscape. The etching's brown tones create a sense of rusticity, characteristic of Millet's work, highlighting the beauty and hardships of peasant life, a common theme in his art. This print is an example of Millet's early work, which helped establish him as a key figure in the Barbizon school, known for its realistic depictions of nature and rural life.