Curator's introduction to Millet: Life on the Land

To mark the 150th anniversary of his death, 'Millet: Life on the Land’ brings together some of Jean-François Millet’s best-loved paintings.

At this exclusive online Members’ event, exhibition curator Sarah Herring introduces the realistic, unsentimental paintings of Millet. He depicted working people in 19th-century rural France with realism and dignity, and his works inspired Impressionists and Post-Impressionists from Vincent van Gogh to Edgar Degas. Sarah introduces the exhibition themes and paintings, including 'The Winnower' from the Gallery's collection and his iconic 'L’Angelus' from the Musée d’Orsay, Paris.

Before this exhibition opens, join Sarah for an early look at the beauty and quiet power of Millet’s work.

Sarah Herring is Associate Curator of Post-1800 paintings at the National Gallery. She has a particular interest in landscape and has published 'The Nineteenth Century French Paintings. Volume 1, The Barbizon School' (2019), part of the series of National Gallery Schools Catalogues. With Emma Capron she was co-curator of the exhibition, 'Discover Manet and Eva Gonzalès' (2022-3) which explored a number of themes around Manet’s imposing portrait, including the education and position of women artists in the 19th century. Most recently, she is the curator of 'Millet: Life on the Land' (2025).

A recording of this event will be made available to all ticket holders in the days following the event.

This recording will be available until the exhibition closes.

Automatic closed captioning is available for this event.