The Seaweed Gatherers c. 1847

"The Seaweed Gatherers" is an etching created by Jean-François Millet around 1847. The print depicts figures gathering seaweed on a beach, with the artist’s signature style of bold lines and sketchy details. The work exemplifies Millet’s interest in depicting the lives of rural workers, a theme he would further explore in his later paintings. This etching is a key example of Millet’s early work and showcases his mastery of the printmaking process. It is currently part of the collection at The Art Institute of Chicago.