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Write a summary relating to work of Jean-Francois Millet that is made in the style of classical realism, as evidenced by utilizing artistic expression characteristic of the direction, such as the plot and the manner of execution.
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The work of Jean-Francois Millet is made in the style of classical realism, as evidenced by utilizing artistic expression characteristic of the direction, such as the plot and the manner of execution. The painting's overall mood is conveyed through the use of colors and the position of the characters during prayer.
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essay relating to work of Jean-Francois Millet that is made in the style of classical realism, as evidenced by utilizing artistic expression characteristic of the direction, such as the plot and the manner of execution. Exapnd on the summary above.
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#Angelus – The painting by Jean-François Millet Essay
The painting by Jean-François Millet Angelus depicts a peasant with his wife bowing in evening prayer in the field. In the foreground, there is a field under the setting sun. The sky shimmers with bright colors, against which the village church’s outlines are visible in the distance. The sounds of bells from afar call the couple to prayer. The man has stopped working, and with his head down, he is holding a hat in his hands. Despite the outward rudeness and simple clothes, devoid of grace, his face expresses sincere faith. The woman’s hands are also folded in front of her chest; in her bent figure, it is difficult to read the facial features, partly hidden by the headdress. The subtle palette includes softly balanced reddish browns, grays, blues, blues, and purples. Dark figures with bowed heads enhance the overall epic sound.
The author demonstrates genuine emotions in his work: despite the picture’s seemingly neutral plot, human figures indicate deep sorrow. The characters’ feelings are noticeable through the positions that their bodies take during prayer, which, combined with the color palette, creates a sense of the reality of what is happening. Despite the fact that this work was commissioned by the American artist Thomas Appleton, it is difficult to argue that it was done solely for commercial reasons (Dees, 2017). The heroes’ silhouettes express depression and grief, which can be evidence of the artist’s inner experiences. The artwork’s initial plot was probably changed due to the artist’s desire to make the work more neutral, making it easier to sell it.
The work is named after the first words of a Christian prayer recited by Catholics three times a day – “Angelus Domini.” For a long time, scientists could not deduce the connection between the heroes’ grieving figures and the work’s plot. However, at the request of Salvador Dali, the French Louvre made an X-ray scan of the painting, which revealed another layer (De Burca, 2018). It turns out that initially, instead of a basket of potatoes, over which the peasants were bending, a tiny coffin was drawn. The picture was probably conceived as a plot about a small child’s funeral, whom they did not even have time to baptize, and there was no place for him in a Christian cemetery. This is what explains such sadness of the characters and the general suppressed mood of the picture. The warm colors used in the sky are a symbol of God’s presence: He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds (Psalm 147: 3). The new interpretation of the work allows concluding the artist’s religiosity and desire to convey the sorrow and compassion that represent the features of the entire Christian culture and the Bible.
The work of Jean-Francois Millet is made in the style of classical realism, as evidenced by utilizing artistic expression characteristic of the direction, such as the plot and the manner of execution. The painting’s overall mood is conveyed through the color palette and the position of the characters’ figures. The viewer feels the tragedy of what is happening, although outwardly, nothing expresses adverse events, which confirms the artist’s skill.
Jean-Francois Millet found his calling in the depiction of pictures of rural life. He painted peasants with depth and penetration, reminiscent of religious images. Namely his unusual manner brought him the recognition he deserved. Like Van Gogh and Gauguin, Millet was looking for the ideal of a patriarchal world in peasant life. Millet was more of a humanist than a political artist; in this respect, he was very different, for example, from the frankly leftist artist Gustave Courbet, whose work was overtly political in nature. However, Millet shared with Courbet the desire to honor the memory of the working people of France and his paintings give their lives a new monumentality. For him, the peasantry and the countryside were part of a timeless rural world and a unique part of France’s heritage. They were also closest to nature and, therefore, to God.
To sum up, the painting by Jean-Francois Millet demonstrated genuine sorrow and compassion by depicting the pair of peasants in the field. The actual plot was hidden for commercial reasons, but it is impossible to say that this picture was made without passion and the artist’s spiritual contribution. Angelus is an example of classical realism and expresses the creator’s inner feelings through the depicted characters.