Peasant Digging 1863

"Peasant Digging" (1863) is a woodcut by the renowned French artist Jean-François Millet. The artwork, housed in the Art Institute of Chicago, depicts a solitary peasant figure bent over, engaged in the arduous task of digging. Millet, known for his depictions of rural life, captures the laborious nature of manual labor and the dignity of the working class. The stark black and white palette of the woodcut emphasizes the contrast between light and shadow, creating a sense of depth and realism. This print, created during a period of social change and industrialization, serves as a poignant reminder of the struggles faced by rural communities.