Head of a Boy c. 1846 - 1848

Curator: This is Jean-François Millet's "Head of a Boy," a drawing housed here at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: The soft, almost dreamlike quality of the charcoal gives the boy a certain vulnerability, wouldn't you agree? Curator: Indeed. Millet often depicted rural laborers, highlighting their dignity and the social inequalities they faced, this work, while a portrait, embodies a similar sentiment of the lives of children. Editor: I notice the hat, it creates an interesting interplay of light and shadow, directing the eye to the boy's face. Curator: The hat also signifies the boy's social standing, shielding him from the elements as he toils in the fields. It's a symbol of both protection and the harsh realities of labor. Editor: The expressiveness Millet achieves with such simple materials is remarkable. Curator: It reminds us that art can be both beautiful and a powerful tool for social commentary. Editor: A beautiful balance, making this quite memorable.