Jean François Millet, “La Bouillie”, 1861 (2nd copy)

Jean François Millet (1814–1875)

“La Bouillie” (also known as “The Porridge”; “Gruel”; “Woman Feeding Her Child”), 1861

Technical Details & Condition:

Etching with pale plate tone on cream laid paper, with wide margins.

This is a State III (out of VI, Melot), with the artist’s name and date added, but before the publication details for Gazette des Beaux Arts and Auguste Delâtre as the printer.

The impression is richly inked, crisp, and faultless. The sheet is in pristine condition—completely free of tears, holes, folds, abrasions, handling marks, or stains (aside from the faint binding glue trace on the verso).

Production insights:

This etching was executed with the assistance of Félix-Joseph-Auguste Bracquemond (1833–1914). It is an impression before lettering intended for publication in the French periodical Gazette des Beaux Arts (September 1861). The scene depicts Millet’s daughter (Madame Heymann) cooling a spoonful of porridge by blowing on it as she feeds her child.

Michel Melot (1978) recounts Philippe Burty’s (1830–1890) account from June 10, 1861, regarding Bracquemond’s role in creating this plate: “The copper plate was really quite eaten. It was bitten well the first time. The ground was coated again and it was bitten once more. Finally, Millet insisted on himself putting two touches of pure acid on the heads of the woman and her child. The instant the brush touched them, Bracquemond quickly splashed drops of water on them. We went to Delâtre’s. A worker ran off proofs for us. At the third, Millet used the drypoint to close up a large highlight on the woman’s neck, added a few lines on the shadow of the bonnet, and a few points on the wrist holding the infant. We had nineteen in all printed, of which two were retouched. Bracquemond is going to add the signature. Only three have the sketch at the bottom, with the printer adjusting them as he pleases. I myself burnished them on the plate.” (Melot, p. 290).

Dimensions:

• Sheet: 26.5 x 21 cm
• Platemark: 18.7 x 16 cm
• Image borderline: 15.2 x 13 cm

In-Plate lettering (by Bracquemond):

• Below image, at left: “J.F. Millet 1861.”

References:

• Melot M 17 S3 (Michel Melot, “Graphic Art of the Pre-Impressionists”, 1978, New York, Harry N. Abrams, pp. 289–90, cat. no. M 17)
• Delteil 17 S3 (“Le Peintre-Graveur Illustré (XIXe et XXe siècles”)
• British Museum: Museum number 1865,0114.86 — https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/P_1865-0114-86
• Rijksmuseum: Object number RP-P-1950-807 — https://id.rijksmuseum.nl/200130837
• Christie’s Auctions (20 Jun 2000) describe a later state of this print:  https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-1825725

Price & Shipping:

AU$900 (approximately US$644.79 / €556.46 / £476.30, subject to daily exchange rates). Price includes worldwide express shipping. Please note that destination import duties and local taxes remain the sole responsibility of the buyer.

If you’re interested in acquiring this stunningly beautiful etching—a truly iconic image of motherhood—by one of the most famous of the French artists of the nineteenth century, please contact me at oz_jim@printsandprinciples.com. I’ll gladly provide a secure PayPal invoice for a seamless transaction.