Upward path, near Vichy 1867

Jean-François Millet made this landscape in watercolor and ink, titled "Upward Path, near Vichy." Millet lived through the 1848 French Revolution which called for social reform, and his work often reflects a deep connection to the land and rural life. Although he spent a brief period in Paris, Millet identified strongly with his peasant roots. This is evident in his choice of subject matter as well as his naturalistic style. In "Upward Path, near Vichy," we see a humble scene, seemingly untouched by industrialization. The path leads our eye upward, suggesting a journey. The natural elements—trees and grass—are rendered with gestural strokes, evoking a sense of immediacy and intimacy. Millet often depicted rural life with a sense of dignity and respect, diverging from romanticized or idealized versions. Millet’s emphasis on the everyday lives of ordinary people resonated with a public eager for social change. He invites us to consider our own relationship to the land, and to question the values of a society in transition.