The Gleaners (Des glaneuses)
Framed print/reproduction on paper • Jean-François Millet (after)
Style & Movement
Realism / Barbizon School
Medium & Technique
Mechanical print/lithography or offset print. The original artwork is oil on canvas, but this is a mass-produced reproduction.
Creation Period
Original composed in 1857; this specific print is likely late 20th century (c. 1970s-1990s).
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 20 x 24 inches (image size); Landscape format.
Subject Description
Three peasant women are depicted bending over to glean the remains of a wheat harvest. In the background, laborers are seen stacking large hayricks, creating a contrast between the grueling manual labor of the poor and the abundance of the harvest. The composition emphasizes the weight and repetitive motion of rural poverty.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Fair to Good. Visible fading and discoloration suggesting UV exposure.
Estimated Market Value
$20 - $50
Auction Estimate
$10 - $30
Provenance History
Likely a decorative commercial retail purchase. No museum-grade provenance indicated. The matting and frame style are typical of late-century home decor stores.
Art Historical Significance
The original painting, housed at the Musée d'Orsay, is one of the most famous works of the Realist movement. It shocked the 1857 Salon audience by elevating the lowest class of rural workers to a scale usually reserved for heroic or religious subjects. This specific item is a commercial copy intended for decorative use.
Notable Features
Triple-matted presentation in a commercial dark-stained wooden frame. The print lacks the textured impasto of the original oil painting, confirming its status as a reproduction.
Condition Issues
Visible sun-fading (loss of pigment intensity), foxing/spotting in the upper sky area of the print, and abrasions on the dark wood-tone frame.
Conservation Recommendations
Keep out of direct sunlight to prevent further fading. Replace acidic matting if desired, though the cost of professional conservation would exceed the market value of the print.