This reproduction shows deep reverence for the original "The Angelus" by Jean-François Millet. It portrays a man and a woman pausing their work to recite the Angelus, a prayer commemorating the annunciation made to Mary by the angel Gabriel. They have stopped digging potatoes, and the tools of their labor—a potato fork, basket, sacks, and wheelbarrow—are scattered around them.

Millet's inspiration for "The Angelus" came from a childhood memory of his grandmother making the family stop work to pray whenever they heard the church bell. Although Millet was not a church-goer, he sought to capture the timeless rhythms of peasant life in this simple, yet profound scene. The painting focuses on a moment of respite and meditation amidst the labor of the day.

The two peasants, standing alone in the foreground of a vast, empty plain, take on a monumental quality despite the canvas's small size. Their faces are shadowed, while the light emphasizes their gestures and posture, adding to the scene's sense of solemnity and meditation. Millet transcends the anecdotal to create an archetypal image of peasant life.

Details:
Artist: After Jean-François Millet
Title: "The Angelus"
Medium: Oil on panel
Dimensions: 65 x 80 cm
Condition: Wear on the edges
Notes: Signed in the lower right corner

About Jean-François Millet:
Jean-François Millet (October 4, 1814 – January 20, 1875) was a French painter renowned for his depictions of peasant subjects. Born in Gruchy, near Gréville, France, Millet spent his youth working on the land before studying art in Cherbourg and later Paris. He achieved early success with works like "The Milkmaid" and "The Riding Lesson," which showcased a sensual character typical of his early production.

From the early 1850s, Millet focused on peasant subjects, with "The Winnower" marking an important milestone. After moving to Barbizon in 1849, Millet continued to depict rural life, often facing accusations of socialism due to his subject matter. By the mid-1860s, Millet gained recognition and demand for his work, culminating in significant exhibitions and official recognition. His works are held in major collections, including the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston and the Louvre.

Millet's "The Angelus" remains a poignant and enduring testament to the dignity and simplicity of peasant life, masterfully rendered in this reverent reproduction.