Man Resting on a Spade 1874

Jean-François Millet made this block print, Man Resting on a Spade, during a time of significant social upheaval in France. Millet, who was the son of peasant farmers, often depicted rural life, and his work provides insight into the lives of the working class. Here, we see a man pausing from his labor, leaning on his spade. The figure's posture suggests exhaustion, and the scene evokes a sense of the relentless toil that defined the lives of many rural workers. Millet’s focus wasn't just on depicting labor; he aimed to represent the dignity and humanity of these individuals. Millet's art was groundbreaking, turning away from traditional idealizations of peasantry and bringing visibility to the harsh realities they faced. It serves as a reminder of the often-overlooked contributions and struggles of the working class. In his own words, Millet sought to depict peasants "neither more nor less than if I were one of them." This print invites us to reflect on the value of labor, the dignity of the worker, and the social conditions that shape individual lives.