The Angelus by Jean-Francois Millet
The Angelus was completed by French painter, Jean-Francois Millet, between 1857-1859. It depicts two peasants bowing in a field over a basket of potatoes, praying the Angelus at the end of the day. 'Angelus' is Latin for 'angel', and it was the name given to the Catholic devotion commemorating the Incarnation of Jesus. Each recitation of the Angelus includes three Hail Marys with antiphons and responses in between each one. It is meant to be prayed at morning, noon, and sunset. Traditionally, church bells also toll at these times so the church in the background signifies that the day is finished and the subjects of the painting are ending their long day in the field with prayer. The simplicity of the painting reminds us to give thanks each day and continue to ask God for His blessings upon our lives.
