Bird's-Nesters

Gallery 253, European Art 1850-1900, second floor (Lassin Gallery)

Main Building

Bird's-Nesters

1874

Jean-François Millet (French, 1814–1875)

Known for his realistic portrayals of French peasants, Millet produced this painting at the very end of his life. He based the scene on stories from his childhood that told of great flights of wild pigeons. When the birds settled in trees at night, the peasants blinded them with light from torches and then clubbed hundreds to death.

Gallery 253, European Art 1850-1900, second floor (Lassin Gallery)

Object Details

Title:

Bird's-Nesters

Date:

1874

Artist:

Jean-François Millet (French, 1814–1875)

Medium:

Oil on canvas

Dimensions:

29 × 36 1/2 inches (73.7 × 92.7 cm) Framed: 46 1/2 × 54 1/4 × 6 1/2 inches (118.1 × 137.8 × 16.5 cm)

Classification:

Paintings

Credit Line:

The William L. Elkins Collection, 1924

Accession Number:

E1924-3-14

Geography:

Made in France, Europe

We are always open to learning more about our collections and updating the website. Does this record contain inaccurate information or language that you feel we should improve or change? Contact us here.

Please note that this particular artwork might not be on view when you visit. Don’t worry—we have plenty of exhibitions for you to explore.

Gallery 253, European Art 1850-1900, second floor (Lassin Gallery)

Main Building

Museum map