Artwork
The Keeper of the Flock
The Keeper of the Flock is an oil painting by the Impressionist artist Jean François Millet. It dates from 1872 and is held in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.
About this work
Overview
The Keeper of the Flock is a painting by Jean-François Millet, created in 1872. It is an oil on canvas work currently held in the Art Institute of Chicago.
Subject & Meaning
The painting depicts a shepherd tending to sheep in a field, exemplifying Millet's focus on rural laborers and everyday life. The scene is a representation of peasant life, characteristic of the Realism movement.
Technique & Style
Millet employed chiaroscuro, a technique using contrasting light and dark, to create depth in the composition. The shepherd is the primary focus, while the background also contributes to the overall narrative.
History & Provenance
The Keeper of the Flock was painted by Millet, a key figure in the Barbizon school, as part of his oeuvre focusing on rural life and laborers.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Jean-François Millet (French pronunciation: ; 4 October 1814 – 20 January 1875) was a French painter and one of the founders of the Barbizon school in rural France.
