Cottages 1870 - 1871

Jean-François Millet sketched "Cottages" with pen and ink, capturing a glimpse of rural life. Millet came from a peasant family and often depicted the French countryside, a choice that was deeply influenced by the social and political upheavals of 19th century France. His identity as someone of peasant stock, set him apart from many artists of his time, allowing him to bring authenticity and dignity to his representations of rural life. Millet aimed to challenge the traditional hierarchy in art, which often favored historical or mythological subjects over scenes of everyday life, especially those of the working class. "Cottages" isn't just a landscape; it's a statement on value, class, and the aesthetic merit of the commonplace. It invites us to reflect on whose lives are deemed worthy of representation and how art can serve as a means of social commentary and affirmation.