Delteil's first state of seven, before Millet's signature and before the address. Extremely rare; only few more than 10 impressions were taken in this state for the "Société des Dix". Michel Melot gives an excellent account of the creation of this etching with the help of MilletÕs extensive correspondence. Alfred Sensier had the idea of setting up a society of print-lovers, the "Societé des Dix", and he commissioned a plate from Millet. Millet asked Sensier a thousand francs to allow himself time to carry out the project thoroughly, which he did, as is evidenced by the number of drawings and trial proofs of details of the plate. On 23 November he finished, but thought some re-biting of the plate might be necessary and was concerned whether Delâtre knew how to re-varnish a plate. Six days later Del‰tre sent Sensier the proofs. On 15 December Sensier wrote to Millet: "I shall also turn over to M. Rousseau, Sr., the first ten copies of the first state of your etching...", so that the artist could sign them and inscribe them to members of the society. The acuteness of the picture is increasing progressively towards the forefront and is rather indistinct in the background. The unpromising rock-strewn terrain symbolizes the impending task of the man. The etching expresses a fundamental idea of Millet: The opposition of idleness and work, town and country, present and past.

Brilliant impression. Printed in a perhaps faintly brownish black ink with a very light plate tone, and with the shading, particularly the densest areas, enhanced by the most extraordinarily detailed use of retroussage. With very large margins and some discolouration in the margins, otherwise in excellent condition.