The Departure for Work 1857

Jean-François Millet made this drawing, “The Departure for Work,” using black crayon on paper. The image depicts a woman riding a donkey and a man walking beside them, likely heading to work in the fields. Made in France, Millet was known for his realistic depictions of rural life. This work reflects the social realities of 19th-century France, where the majority of the population still lived and worked in rural areas. Millet’s focus on the everyday lives of peasants challenged the art establishment's preference for historical and mythological subjects. His art elevated the working class as worthy subjects of art, a progressive stance in a society marked by stark class divisions. To understand Millet's place in the art world, we can look at exhibition reviews, farmers’ almanacs, and government reports on rural poverty. These offer insight into how Millet challenged artistic norms and brought attention to the lives of those often overlooked.