Woman Filling Water-Cans 1854

"Woman Filling Water-Cans" is a 1854 etching by Pierre Millet depicting a woman in a rural setting filling water-cans from a barrel. This intimate scene is a characteristic example of Millet's artistic style, which often centered on the daily lives of working-class people. The composition is simple yet expressive, with the woman's bent figure and the barrel taking center stage. The fine lines of the etching give a sense of realism and detail, capturing the texture of the barrel, the woman's clothing, and the surrounding landscape. This artwork, currently housed in the Art Institute of Chicago, is a testament to Millet's keen observation and empathy for the working class, who were often overlooked in traditional art forms.