Created:
Movement:
1846
Realism
key Notes:
Rural landscape, Atmospheric tension
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Dimensions:
18 1/4 x 15 in. (46.4 x 38.1 cm)
medium:
Oil on canvas
story of the work:

"The Storm" is a painting by French artist Jean-François Millet, created around 1846. The work depicts a dramatic scene of a rural landscape under an impending storm, showcasing Millet's interest in the relationship between nature and human labor. Millet is known for his focus on peasant life and the dignity of rural workers, and this painting reflects his commitment to portraying the struggles of the agrarian class. The composition features dark, swirling clouds that dominate the sky, creating a sense of tension and foreboding. The figures in the foreground are often interpreted as representing the vulnerability of farmers in the face of natural forces. The painting is characterized by Millet's use of earthy tones and expressive brushwork, which enhance the emotional impact of the scene. "The Storm" is part of Millet's broader oeuvre that emphasizes the themes of labor, nature, and the human condition. The current location of the painting is unknown, and it is not part of any major public collection as of the latest available information.

Description of the work:

"The Storm," painted by Jean-François Millet around 1846, depicts a dramatic and turbulent sky filled with dark, swirling clouds that suggest an impending tempest. The foreground features a group of peasant figures, rendered in earthy tones, who are engaged in labor, their postures conveying a sense of urgency and struggle against the elements. The composition is characterized by a strong contrast between the dark, ominous sky and the lighter hues of the landscape, emphasizing the tension between nature and human endeavor. Millet's brushwork is expressive, capturing the movement of the wind and the emotional weight of the scene. The overall atmosphere is one of foreboding, reflecting the challenges faced by rural communities in the face of natural adversity. The painting exemplifies Millet's focus on the lives of peasants and his ability to convey the relationship between humanity and the environment.

Artwork Photograph Source:
Metropolitan Museum of Art

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The Storm