Why were artists such as Alfred Jacob Miller and Jean-François Millet motivated to paint normal, everyday events?

1. to vent about frustrating events
2. to show off their illustration techniques
3. to celebrate the beauty of simplicity
4. to express irritation with simplicity

1 answer

Artists like Alfred Jacob Miller and Jean-François Millet were motivated to paint normal, everyday events primarily to celebrate the beauty of simplicity (option 3). They sought to capture the essence of daily life and the dignity of ordinary people, highlighting the richness of these experiences and the natural world. Their works often reflect an appreciation for rural life and the labor involved in it, portraying scenes with a sense of reverence and significance.