Located in the heart of Barbizon, the Jean-François Millet Museum and Studio offers a unique experience for art and history lovers. Immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the era and discover how this iconic artist made his mark on the history of painting.
On your way to Barbizon, you will be able to walk in the footsteps of Jean-François Millet and discover the landscape that inspired him so much. It is here, in this small village on the edge of the Fontainebleau forest, that he produced most of his work, including the famous painting"The Angelus" or"The Gleaners". The studio is now a museum that welcomes visitors since 1923. His home, in which he lived with his wife and 9 children, once located nearby, has unfortunately collapsed. Nothing remains of it, but his workshop, which was originally a large one, allows us to discover his history and his work.
Jean-François Millet's museum and studio is a real gold mine for art lovers. You will find an impressive collection of works by 19th century masters such as Rousseau, Anquetin, Courbet or Daubigny. More than 150 artists attended the Barbizon School of Art between 1840 and 1870, forming a major artistic movement.
By visiting the museum, you will have the opportunity to dive into the intimacy of Jean-François Millet. You will discover personal objects, letters, drawings, sketches, many preparatory studies, a self-portrait and photographs made by him and his family. The house-studio has remained virtually unchanged since the painter's death, offering an authentic and unique atmosphere.
Jean-François Millet's (1814-1875) attraction to rural subjects is obvious. Born into a well-to-do farming family in the Cotentin region, he worked on the farm until he was twenty. Because of his talent for drawing, his father enrolled him in 1835 in Cherbourg in the studio of the painter Du Mouchel. Although Millet was mainly known for his scenes of peasant life, this theme did not emerge in his work until 1849, when he moved to Barbizon. Before that, he painted pastoral, historical or mythological scenes, as well as portraits (to survive), in an academic style.
Contrary to what you might think, Jean-François Millet never painted outdoors. He made sketches which he then used to paint in his studio. The realist movement, to which Millet belonged, challenged the academic conventions of the 17th century, valuing historical, religious and mythological painting. Realist painters sought to overturn this hierarchy and reproduce observed reality.
Since the end of the 18th century, some painters have been making oil sketches in the open air, like John Constable and Théodore Rousseau. The latter settled in Barbizon, where other realist painters joined him, forming the Barbizon School. This artistic movement met with success in the mid-19th century, with artists such as Jean-Baptiste Camille Corot and Charles-François Daubigny. Although each had a personal style, they shared a desire to transcend academic rules. Millet, on the other hand, retained the classical model of composition, applying it to peasant scenes.
Although the great works of Jean-François Millet are preserved in prestigious museums such as the Musée d'Orsay in Paris or the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, the Barbizon museum and studio remains a place of memory for art lovers. However, there are real drawings and his original sketches and even one of his and Rousseau's painting palettes. In 2019, 15,000 people visited this place steeped in history, 50% of whom were foreign visitors.
By visiting Barbizon, you will take a real trip into the past, where the present still retains traces of Jean-François Millet's influence. This is what Vincent Van Gogh said of Millet, saying that he was "an essentially modern painter, thanks to whom the horizon has opened up before us". We also discover the list of all the painters he inspired later.
Don't hesitate to visit Jean-François Millet's house-workshop at 27 Grande Rue, Barbizon. The museum is open from 10am to 12:30pm and from 2pm to 6pm, closed on Tuesdays. The entrance fee is 5€, and reduced to 4€ for groups of more than 6 people and children under 12 .
In conclusion, a visit to Jean-François Millet's museum and studio in Barbizon is a great experience not to be missed by art and history lovers. Immerse yourself in the world of this emblematic painter and discover the atmosphere that reigned at the time of the Barbizon School. You will be amazed by the richness of the exposed works and the authenticity of this place of memory.
We end with the last room which presents works from the period of Millet, Millet himself on sale and contemporary works. To prolong this immersion in art, don't miss the nearby Galerie de l'Angélus. There you will find a selection of original works by the masters of the Barbizon School available for sale, as well as contemporary creations inspired by Millet and the Barbizon School. A unique opportunity to take home a piece of art history and support today's artists.
So don't wait any longer and treat yourself to this cultural getaway in Barbizon, where the charm of the village and the beauty of the works on display will leave you with an unforgettable memory.
To get to Barbizon by car, take the A6 freeway and leave the road in the direction of Fontainebleau. Then, just drive about 6 km on the N 37/D 637 before exiting to arrive in Barbizon.
If you prefer to use public transportation, bus 21 is available Monday through Saturday (but not on Sundays or holidays) and serves the village of Barbizon from the Fontainebleau-Avon station. The bus ride takes about 20 minutes. You can consult the timetable of the bus 21 on the corresponding timetable sheet.
Dates and Opening Time
Starts March 29th, 2023
Location
Jean-François Millet Museum and Workshop
27 Grande Rue
77630 Barbizon
Prices
Enfants: €4
Entrée: €5
Recommended age
For all
Official website
www.musee-millet.com
