Millet and Modern Art

An insightful overview of how Millet influenced and inspired many modernist artists that followed him Jean-Franois Millet (18141875) was one of the most important artists of the Barbizon School. Through his publicly exhibited works and their critical reception, Millet was of crucial significance to modernist painters. Millets modernity is evident in his varied subjectsfrom peasant themes to landscapes to nudesand his anti-academic, rough paint application. He also produced highly inventive pastels and drawings. Jean-Franois Millet examines the international range of artists whom he influenced. For instance, Millet was an artistic hero for Vincent van Gogh, whose treatment of numerous motifsincluding The Sower and Starry Nightwas directly inspired by the older artist. Van Gogh even painted a remarkable series of 21 copies after Millets work while living in the south of France in the final year of his life. Other artists on whom Millet had a profound impact include Camille Pissarro, Georges Seurat, Claude Monet, Edgar Degas, and Winslow Homer, and, in the 20th century, most notably Edvard Munch and Salvador Dal. Published in association with the Van Gogh Museum and the Saint Louis Art Museum Exhibition Schedule: Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam (October 4, 2019January 12, 2020) Saint Louis Art Museum (February 16May 17, 2020)