Final answer:
Jean-François Millet was a French painter whose realistic depictions of peasant farmers like in “The Gleaners” made significant contributions to the Barbizon School and Realism movement. Despite initial challenges and rejection, his work became celebrated for its honest representation of rural poverty and hard labor.
Step-by-step explanation:
Jean-François Millet was a significant figure in the arts, particularly known for his realistic paintings of peasant farmers. He was one of the main founders of the Barbizon School, his work reflecting scenes of rural life. Contrary to being a wealthy adored painter, Millet's artwork, such as “The Gleaners”, often depicted the struggles and poverty of rural workers. Millet's honest portrayal of these subjects and his depiction of the harsh realities faced by the lower class had a considerable impact and was considered controversial at the time.
While Millet's work was initially rejected by the Salon and he faced financial difficulties, he eventually found support that allowed him to return to the subjects he was most passionate about. His paintings, especially those like “The Gleaners”, serve as a powerful social commentary on the conditions of the poor in 19th-century France, with a focus on their toil and struggle through heavy layers of paint and the physical postures of his subjects.