Van Gogh Museum
4 October 2019 – 12 January 2020
Millet and Modern Art: From Van Gogh to Dalí
Saint Louis Art MuseumFebruary 16–May 17, 2020
The exhibition Jean-François Millet: Sowing the Seeds of Modern Art illustrates just how progressive the work of Jean-François Millet (1814-1875) was for his time. With his radical painting technique, modern style and inspirational portrayal of peasant life, Millet undoubtedly sowed the seeds of modern art.
This is the first exhibition to explore how Millet’s work inspired the art of numerous well-known artists, such as Vincent van Gogh, Camille Pissarro, Georges Seurat, Claude Monet, Giovanni Segantini, Winslow Homer, Paula Modersohn-Becker, Edvard Munch, Kazimir Malevich and Salvador Dalí.
Van Gogh and Millet
National hero
Millet had an animated and successful career. During his life, his paintings were often criticised, due to his radical painting technique and the social criticism thought to be manifested in his depiction of peasant life. Shortly after his death, the French government embraced Millet as a national hero, who had captured rural France in all its glory.Collaboration with Saint Louis Art Museum
Jean-François Millet, French, 1814–1875; The Knitting Lesson, 1869; oil on canvas; 39 7/8 x 32 3/4 inches; Saint Louis Art Museum, Museum Purchase 106:1939
The exhibition is the result of collaboration between the Saint Louis Art Museum and the Van Gogh Museum. Jean-François Millet: Sowing the Seeds of Modern Art will be on display at the Van Gogh Museum from 4 October 2019 until 12 January 2020.The exhibition will subsequently travel to Saint Louis, where it will be on display from 16 February to 17 May 2020 with the alternative title of Millet and Modern Art.
