Jean François Millet - Woman Feeding Chickens - 1894.1064 - Art Institute of Chicago

Jean-Francois Millet was a French painter who lived between 1814 and 1875. He is best known for his realistic depictions of rural life, particularly the lives of peasants and farmers. Millet's work often depicted the hard work and struggles of these people, but also celebrated their resilience and connection to the land. His most famous works include The Gleaners and The Angelus. Millet was part of the Barbizon School, a group of artists who were influenced by the natural world and sought to capture its beauty and power in their work. His paintings continue to be celebrated for their emotional depth, technical skill and social commentary.