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The Sower

Image credit: Amgueddfa Cymru – National Museum Wales

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Executed in 1847–1848, this is a preliminary version of the painting of a peasant sowing with which Millet made his name at the Salon of 1850–1851. Here the sower is a faltering figure enveloped by his surroundings, his seed threatened by hungry birds. On the horizon are two grazing cattle. The steep landscape is that of Millet's native Cherbourg peninsula. This poignant scene recalls the biblical parable and is a moving image of an oppressed social class. It was purchased by Gwendoline Davies in 1911.
Title

The Sower

Date

1847–1848

Medium

oil on canvas

Measurements

H 95.3 x W 61.3 cm

Accession number

NMW A 2474

Acquisition method

bequeathed by Gwendoline Davies, 1951

Work type

Painting

Inscription description

Label: (frame) GREGYNOG COLLECTION Label: (frame) 16 Inscription: (frame) 223 Label: (frame) fragment - la... Llan... Mo(stc)???? Inscription: (frame) _ 1 H (and squiggle) Signed: (lower right in red) J.F. Millet Dated: no date

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National Museum Cardiff

Cathays Park, Cardiff (Caerdydd) CF10 3NP Wales

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