Bird's-Nesters
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.
Geography: Made in France, Europe
Department: European Painting
Credit: The William L. Elkins Collection, 1924...
1874
Oil on canvas
73.7 x 92.7cm
E1924-3-14
Image and text © Philadelphia Museum of Art
Where you'll find this
Permanent collection