The Gleaners
Jean-François Millet · 1857
Why it's great
Three women bend over in a golden field to gather leftover grain after the harvest, while far behind them workers pile up huge stacks of wheat. Gleaning was the work of the very poor, and Millet gave them heroic, monumental dignity. Some wealthy viewers disliked it, but today it's treasured. It is a landmark of respect for working people.
Where to see it
📍 Musée d'OrsayParis, France
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Three places to look for a print of this painting, from budget to museum-grade:
These links open search results on each shop's own website; we don't sell anything or earn a commission, and print quality varies by seller. Ask a grown-up before you buy anything.
Jean-François Millet was born into a farming family in Gruchy, on the coast of Normandy, France. He moved to the village of Barbizon near Paris, where he painted peasants at work in the fields. He treated farm laborers with dignity at a time when few artists did. His paintings moved Van Gogh and many others.
