Jean-François Millet (1814-1875) The Churn. 1855. Etching. 115 x 180. Delteil 10. Very fine proof on thin old laid paper from an old register, of the 1st state (of 3), before Delâtre's address ("undoubtedly drawn by Millet" according to Melot). Light trace of oxidation around the subject. Thin band of glue at the edges of the front leaf, visible on the front. Large tear at left edge of folio. Some light foxing. Small framer's annotations in pencil on verso and annotation "Vte Sensier 40 frs". Our plate comes from the after-death sale of Alfred Sensier's collection of prints (Hôtel Drouot, December 17, 1877) and appears in the sale catalog under no. 149 and the title "La Batteuse de beurre", described as "épreuve du premier état sur vieux papier". Sensier was a close friend of Millet's and worked on a biography of the artist, which was interrupted by his death.