Arcadian Landscape 1657 - 1679

Jean François Millet painted this Arcadian Landscape in oils during the 17th century. It presents an idealised vision of rural life, popular among the artistic institutions of the time. The ‘Arcadian’ style references Arcadia, a region in ancient Greece often used as a symbol of simplicity and pastoral beauty. Here, Millet uses classical architectural ruins and conventionally posed figures to evoke a golden age. Painted in France, this interest in classical themes also served a political purpose under the reign of Louis XIV. The monarchy actively promoted the idea of France as a new Roman empire, emphasising order, reason and harmony. By understanding the social and political context in which it was created, we can see how Millet’s landscape reflects the values of his time. Art historians draw on a range of sources such as letters, journals, and official records to reconstruct these contexts and to enrich our appreciation of works like this.