The Miller’s Wife (La femme du meunier), 19th century
Attributed to Alexandre Cabanelexpand_more
Charcoal, crayon, and white chalk on gray laid paperexpand_more
Gift of Gabriel P. and Yvonne M.L. Weisbergexpand_more 2023.70.2
Not on Viewexpand_more
This refined study of a woman in an old flour mill presents her with the dignity that one expects in a realist drawing. The figure is calm, strong, self-satisfied—almost monumental. As she takes a break from operating the grinding mill behind her, she is bathed in a warm light filtering in from the right.
The drawing is signed "Alex Cabanel," as was the practice of Alexandre Cabanel, one of the most successful artists in nineteenth-century Europe. Apart from his activity as a portraitist, he normally produced historical and mythological pictures—genres diametrically opposed to Realism. Occasionally a drawing or painting like this one surfaces that suggests Cabanel dipped his toe into the realist pool. It is also possible that one of his many students hoped to get a better price for their work by applying the famous artist’s name.
Details
- Title
- The Miller’s Wife (La femme du meunier)
- Artist Life
- Montpellier 1823–Paris 1889
- Role
- Artist
- Accession Number
- 2023.70.2
- Provenance
- Sale, Arenberg Auctions, Brussels, March 29, 2019, no. 209; [Armstrong Fine Art, Chicago, until 2019; to Weisberg]; Yvonne and Gabriel Weisberg, Minneapolis; their gift to Mia, 2023.
- Curator Approved
This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.
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