Supplier
private collection
Introduction
"The Potato Planter" is a work by the representative of the Barbizon School, Millet, created around 1861, and is treasured by collector Wu Zhixiong. The piece focuses on the theme of hardworking farmers, depicting the moment of a sower bending over the land. The brushwork is thick and powerful, and the colors are somber and weighty. Through this scene, Millet showcases his consistent artistic philosophy—elevating rural labor to a symbol filled with dignity and spirituality. This artwork not only reflects the close connection between the farmer and the earth but also mirrors the deeper social concerns of the 19th century regarding land and the continuity of life. Through this piece, Wu Zhixiong leads viewers to experience how Millet transcended the confines of academic art with a humanistic approach, laying an important foundation for future artists to explore "labor and humanity."