Studies of a Man Digging 1863

This charcoal drawing, titled "Studies of a Man Digging," is a preparatory sketch for one of Jean-François Millet's most famous paintings, "The Sower." Created in 1863, the drawing captures the artist's interest in depicting the labor of rural workers, a theme central to his artistic output. The gestural lines and simplified forms create a sense of movement and dynamism, showcasing the artist's keen observation of the human figure in action. Millet's choice of a simple subject and his emphasis on the physicality of labor contributed to his popularity among the Realist movement.