Patrick Bade
Millet and Daumier
Summary
The focus of this lecture is on two artists, Jean-François Millet (1814–1875) and Honoré Daumier (1808–1879), who were known for their depictions of the working class or proletariat in the 19th century. Patrick Bade delves into the contrast between their approaches to depicting the working class and how their works introduced a new perspective and dimension to the portrayal of laborers, different from earlier, more detailed and often humorous representations of the working class.
Patrick Bade
Patrick Bade is a historian, writer, and broadcaster. He studied at UCL and the Courtauld Institute of Art. He was a senior lecturer at Christie’s Education for many years and has worked for the Art Fund, Royal Opera House, National Gallery, and V&A. He has published on 19th- and early 20th-century paintings and historical vocal recordings. His latest book is Music Wars: 1937–1945.
Death is a great career move for any artist. In both cases, their works were really going up in value right at the end of their lives. Durand Ruelle organised an exhibition of Daumier in the 1870s, right at the end of his life, which sold well. But of course once an artist dies, then there aren’t going to be any more pictures and that’s always good for prices.
London is very, very lucky to have the original and the best version of “The Winnower”. Victoria Albert Museum has a couple of very good paintings by Millet in their painting section. But the best place to see them would be the D'Orsay in Paris.
Yes, I think it is. I mean, Millet is of course certainly an inspiration to later 20th century social realism that you found in socialist countries.