53 Gustave Courbet Paintings

By / May 7, 2024
Gustave Courbet

Gustave Courbet was a French painter and one of the leading figures of the Realist movement in the 19th century. He was born in 1819 in Ornans, France, and is best known for his bold and realistic paintings depicting everyday life and social issues of his time. Courbet rejected the traditional academic style of painting and instead focused on capturing the raw and unfiltered realities of his subjects. He was a controversial figure in his time, often challenging societal norms and conventions with his art. Despite facing criticism and opposition, Courbet remained true to his artistic vision and is now considered one of the most important and influential artists of his time.

1. Head of a Sleeping Bacchante

Head of a Sleeping Bacchante

2. Gustave Courbet

Gustave Courbet

3. Greyhounds of Comte de Choiseul

Greyhounds of Comte de Choiseul

4. Going Fishing

Going Fishing
  • Artwork Name: Going Fishing
  • Year: 1865
  • Medium: oil,canvas
  • Dimensions: 89.5 x 116.9 cm

5. Girl with Seagulls,Trouville

Girl with Seagulls,Trouville

6. Head of a Woman with Flowers

Head of a Woman with Flowers

7. Head of a Young Doe

Head of a Young Doe

8. Head of Gazelle

Head of Gazelle

9. Hector Berlioz

Hector Berlioz

10. Hector Berlioz

Hector Berlioz
  • Artwork Name: Hector Berlioz
  • Year: 1850
  • Medium: oil,canvas
  • Dimensions: 61 x 48 cm

11. Self-Portrait (The Man with a Pipe)

Self-Portrait (The Man with a Pipe)

12. Shelter of Deers at Plaisir Fontaine Creek

Shelter of Deers at Plaisir Fontaine Creek

13. Self-Portrait with a Black Dog

Self-Portrait with a Black Dog

14. Self-Portrait with Striped Collar

Self-Portrait with Striped Collar

15. Self Portrait with Upraised Arm

Self Portrait with Upraised Arm

16. The Waves

The Waves
  • Artwork Name: The Waves
  • Year: 1869
  • Medium: oil,canvas
  • Dimensions: 29.9 x 59.5 cm

17. Shores of Normandy

Shores of Normandy

18. Sitting on Cushions Dog

Sitting on Cushions Dog

19. Sleeping Nude

Sleeping Nude
  • Artwork Name: Sleeping Nude
  • Medium: oil,canvas
  • Dimensions: 45 x 54.5 cm

20. Sleeping Nude Woman

Sleeping Nude Woman

21. Snow

Snow
  • Artwork Name: Snow
  • Year: 1874
  • Medium: oil,canvas

22. The Valley of the Loue in Stormy Weather

The Valley of the Loue in Stormy Weather

23. The Village Girl with a Goatling

The Village Girl with a Goatling

24. The Village Maidens

The Village Maidens

25. The Wave

The Wave
  • Artwork Name: The Wave
  • Medium: oil,canvas
  • Dimensions: 113.3 x 145.1 cm

26. The Wave

The Wave
  • Artwork Name: The Wave
  • Year: 1866
  • Medium: oil,canvas
  • Dimensions: 52 x 79.5 cm

27. The Wave

The Wave
  • Artwork Name: The Wave
  • Year: 1869
  • Medium: oil,canvas

28. The Wave

The Wave
  • Artwork Name: The Wave
  • Year: 1870
  • Medium: oil,canvas

29. The Wave

The Wave
  • Artwork Name: The Wave
  • Year: 1871
  • Medium: oil,canvas

30. The Sleepers, or Sleep

The Sleepers, or Sleep

The artwork, entitled "The Sleepers, or Sleep," is an oil on canvas painting created by renowned artist Gustave Courbet in 1866. Measuring 135 x 200 cm, it is an exemplary piece within the Realism movement and belongs to the genre of nude painting. The artwork portrays two women lying entwined on a bed, their naked forms intertwined in a repose that embodies both intimacy and tranquility. The attention to anatomical detail and the delicate play of light on their skin exemplify Courbet's mastery in depicting the naturalism that characterizes Realism. Accompanied by elements of fine decor such as a vase of flowers and luxurious fabric, the composition exudes an aura of sensuousness and elegance. This significant work is currently housed in the Petit Palais in Paris, France.

31. The Woman in the Waves

The Woman in the Waves

"The Woman in the Waves," an oil on canvas painting executed by Gustave Courbet in 1868, belongs to the Realism art movement. Measuring 65 by 54 centimeters, this nude painting portrays a woman partially submerged in dynamic, frothy waves, with her arms gracefully raised above her head, evoking a sense of serene contemplation and natural beauty. This masterpiece is currently housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.

32. The Bathers

The Bathers
  • Artwork Name: The Bathers
  • Year: 1853
  • Medium: Oil on Canvas
  • Dimensions: 227 x 193 cm

"The Bathers," an oil on canvas painting by Gustave Courbet, was created in 1853 and stands as a noteworthy example of Realism. The artwork, housed at the Musée Fabre in Montpellier, France, measures 227 x 193 cm. It epitomizes genre painting and features a nude figure as its central theme. The composition depicts two women in a lush, verdant setting, with one standing in the foreground, partially draped, while the other reclines on the ground, surrounded by dense foliage. The meticulous attention to detail and the naturalistic portrayal of the human form demonstrate Courbet's commitment to capturing everyday scenes with a high degree of realism.

33. The Source

The Source
  • Artwork Name: The Source
  • Year: 1868
  • Medium: Oil on Canvas
  • Dimensions: 4' 2 1/2" x 3' 2 1/4" (128 x 97 cm)

"The Source," painted by Gustave Courbet in 1868, is an oil on canvas artwork measuring 4' 2 1/2" x 3' 2 1/4" (128 x 97 cm), exemplifying the Realism art movement. It is housed in the Musée d'Orsay in Paris. The artwork portrays a nude figure, likely a woman, standing with her back facing the viewer, partially immersed in a natural water setting. The detailed representation of the figure’s form and the surrounding natural elements reflects Courbet's dedication to depicting reality with meticulous accuracy and a candid portrayal of the human body.

34. Woman with a Parrot

Woman with a Parrot

The artwork, titled "Woman with a Parrot" by Gustave Courbet, was completed in 1866 using oil on canvas. It belongs to the Realism art movement and is a nude painting with dimensions of 129.5 x 195.6 cm. The composition features a reclining nude woman with flowing hair, engaging with a vibrant parrot perched on her raised hand. The intricate detail and realistic rendering vividly capture the naturalistic beauty and intimate moment. This masterpiece is housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, NY, US.

35. The Stormy Sea (or The Wave)

The Stormy Sea (or The Wave)

"The Stormy Sea (or The Wave)," created by Gustave Courbet in 1869, is an oil on canvas painting currently housed at the Musée d'Orsay in Paris. The artwork captures the dramatic essence of a turbulent sea with its formidable waves crashing against the shore under a brooding sky. The intensity of the storm is skillfully rendered through Courbet's dynamic brushstrokes and rich use of color, illustrating the raw and powerful forces of nature at play. Two boats are depicted in the foreground, adding a sense of human scale and vulnerability amidst the chaotic environment depicted in the painting.

36. A Thicket Of Deer At The Stream Of Plaisir-fontaine

A Thicket Of Deer At The Stream Of Plaisir-fontaine

"A Thicket Of Deer At The Stream Of Plaisir-fontaine" is a masterful oil painting on canvas created by Gustave Courbet in 1866, presently housed in the Musée d'Orsay in Paris. The artwork portrays a serene forest scene, where several deer gather by a gentle stream, surrounded by dense foliage and rugged terrain. The intricate details and use of light convey a sense of tranquility and natural beauty, capturing a moment of undisturbed wilderness.

37. The Sleeping Spinner

The Sleeping Spinner
  • Artwork Name: The Sleeping Spinner
  • Year: 1853
  • Medium: Oil On Canvas
  • Dimensions: 35 7/8 x 45 1/4 in (91 x 115 cm)

“The Sleeping Spinner” by Gustave Courbet, painted in 1853, is an exquisite oil-on-canvas masterpiece measuring 35 7/8 by 45 1/4 inches (91 by 115 cm) and is housed at the Musée Fabre in Montpellier. The artwork portrays a young woman dozing off while holding spinning wool, resting amidst the intimate and serene setting of a traditional interior. The meticulous attention to detail, the rich, warm tones, and the realistic portrayal of the scene reflect Courbet's mastery in capturing the quiet, tender moments of everyday life.

38. Seacoast

Seacoast
  • Artwork Name: Seacoast
  • Year: 1865
  • Medium: Oil On Canvas
  • Dimensions: 21 1/8 x 25 1/4 in (53.5 x 64 cm)

The artwork titled "Seacoast" was created by the artist Gustave Courbet in 1865. Executed in oil on canvas, the dimensions of the piece are 21 1/8 by 25 1/4 inches (53.5 by 64 centimeters). The artwork portrays a tranquil seascape, where subdued shades of blue and grey depict a vast, cloudy sky meeting the serene shoreline, reflecting the naturalist approach typical of Courbet's style.

39. The Oak At Flagey (the Oak Of Vercingetorix)

The Oak At Flagey (the Oak Of Vercingetorix)

"The Oak At Flagey (the Oak Of Vercingetorix)," created by Gustave Courbet in 1864, is an oil on canvas painting measuring 35 x 43 3/8 inches (89 x 110 cm). The artwork features a majestic, towering oak tree dominating the composition, its thick, textured trunk and expansive branches capturing the grandeur and timelessness of nature. Surrounding the grand oak are smaller trees, set against a serene and vast landscape that stretches to the horizon, reflecting Courbet's masterful technique and his profound appreciation for the natural world.

40. Count De Choiseul's Greyhounds

Count De Choiseul's Greyhounds

The artwork titled "Count De Choiseul's Greyhounds," masterfully painted by Gustave Courbet in 1866, is an exquisite example of oil on canvas. Measuring 35 x 45 3/4 inches (89 x 116.2 cm), this piece is housed at The Saint Louis Art Museum. It vividly depicts two elegant greyhounds, one white and one brown, set against a serene beach scene. The detailed rendering of their forms and the tranquil seascape in the background exudes a sense of regal grace and natural beauty, characteristic of Courbet's adept handling of realist themes.

41. Still Life: Fruit

Still Life: Fruit
  • Artwork Name: Still Life: Fruit
  • Year: 1871-72
  • Medium: Oil On Canvas
  • Dimensions: 23 1/4 x 28 3/8 in (59 x 72 cm)

The artwork, titled "Still Life: Fruit," is an oil on canvas painting by Gustave Courbet, created in the years 1871-72. It measures 23 1/4 by 28 3/8 inches (59 by 72 cm) and is part of the collection at the Shelburne Museum in Vermont. The painting depicts a basket brimming with a variety of fruits, set against a serene backdrop that includes a partially visible landscape and drapery. The rich tones and textures Courbet employs bring a sense of realism and depth to the composition, highlighting the artist's mastery in capturing the intricate details of still life.

42. Portrait of Jo, the Beautiful Irish Girl

Portrait of Jo, the Beautiful Irish Girl

"Portrait of Jo, the Beautiful Irish Girl," created by Gustave Courbet in 1865, exemplifies the Realism movement. This oil on canvas artwork, measuring 54 x 65 cm, is housed in the Nationalmuseum in Stockholm, Sweden. The portrait depicts an introspective young woman with flowing auburn hair, captured in a moment of quiet contemplation. The artist's meticulous attention to detail and naturalistic representation embodies the essence of Realism, emphasizing the authentic and unidealized depiction of the subject.

43. A Burial at Ornans

A Burial at Ornans
  • Artwork Name: A Burial at Ornans
  • Year: 1849 - 1850
  • Medium: Oil on Canvas
  • Dimensions: 315 x 668 cm

"A Burial at Ornans," created by Gustave Courbet between 1849 and 1850, is an oil on canvas artwork representing the Realism art movement. Measuring an impressive 315 x 668 cm, this genre painting is housed in the Musée d'Orsay in Paris. The artwork depicts a stark and somber funeral scene in a French village, characterized by the detailed and unembellished portrayal of the local townspeople. Courbet's meticulous attention to the ordinary and authentic moments of life exemplifies the Realist approach, challenging the more idealized and romanticized depictions of earlier periods.

44. The Source of the Loue

The Source of the Loue
  • Artwork Name: The Source of the Loue
  • Year: 1863 - 1864
  • Medium: chalk
  • Dimensions: 38 3/4 x 51 3/8 in (98.4 x 130.4 cm)

"The Source of the Loue," created by Gustave Courbet between 1863 and 1864, is a Realist landscape rendered in chalk, measuring 38 3/4 by 51 3/8 inches (98.4 x 130.4 cm). The artwork, which is held in the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., exemplifies Courbet's dedication to naturalism and attention to detail. The piece depicts a rugged scene where a river emerges from a dark cave, bordered by rough, rocky terrain and a rustic structure on one side, capturing the raw beauty and serene power of nature.

45. The Trout

The Trout
  • Artwork Name: The Trout
  • Year: 1872
  • Medium: Oil on Canvas
  • Dimensions: 21 5/8 x 35 in (55 x 89 cm)

"The Trout," created by Gustave Courbet in 1872, is an oil on canvas painting that epitomizes the Realism art movement. Measuring 21 5/8 x 35 inches (55 x 89 cm), this animal painting, currently housed in the Kunsthaus Zürich in Zürich, Switzerland, portrays a trout with meticulous detail. The artwork captures the fish in a dynamic and naturalistic manner, emphasizing Courbet's dedication to representing subjects with authenticity and precision.

46. Portrait of the Artist, called The Wounded Man

Portrait of the Artist, called The Wounded Man

"Portrait of the Artist, called The Wounded Man," executed by Gustave Courbet between 1844 and 1845, is an oil on canvas self-portrait belonging to the Romanticism movement. The artwork, measuring 97.5 x 81.5 cm, is housed at the Musée d'Orsay in Paris. The painting vividly depicts the artist himself, with an evident wound on his chest, resting against a dark backdrop, exuding a sense of somber introspection. His partially open shirt revealing a bloodstain and the relaxed posture evoke a poignant scene, emblematic of the Romantic emphasis on personal emotion and dramatic intensity.

47. Portrait of the Artist (Man with a Pipe)

Portrait of the Artist (Man with a Pipe)

"Portrait of the Artist (Man with a Pipe)," created by Gustave Courbet around 1848-49, is an oil painting on canvas measuring 17 3/4 by 14 5/8 inches (45 by 37 cm). This artwork is housed in the Musée Fabre in Montpellier. It features a self-portrait of the artist, depicted with a contemplative expression, smoking a pipe. The muted tones and the contemplative gaze convey a sense of introspection and depth, characteristic of Courbet's mastery in portraiture. The rich texture and lifelike representation exemplify his commitment to realism.

48. The Meeting, or Bonjour Monsieur Courbet

The Meeting, or Bonjour Monsieur Courbet

"The Meeting, or Bonjour Monsieur Courbet," created by Gustave Courbet in 1854, is a prominent work within the Realism art movement. Executed in oil on canvas, the artwork measures 129 by 149 centimeters. It is classified as a genre painting and is currently housed in the Musée Fabre in Montpellier, France. The artwork vividly depicts an outdoor rendezvous between three men, with Courbet himself represented as the man with a backpack and walking stick, standing to the right. The scene is carefully detailed, capturing the natural surroundings and the nuanced body language of the figures, thus exemplifying Courbet's commitment to realistic portrayal and everyday subject matter.

49. Still Life with Apples and Pomegranate

Still Life with Apples and Pomegranate

The artwork titled "Still Life with Apples and Pomegranate," created by Gustave Courbet between 1871 and 1872, is an oil on canvas painting measuring 17 3/8 x 24 inches (44 x 61 cm). It is housed in the National Gallery in London. The artwork portrays a harmonious composition of apples and a pomegranate arranged in a bowl, accompanied by an unadorned vessel in the background. Courbet's masterful use of light and shadow accentuates the rich textures and natural colors of the fruit, bringing a sense of realism and vitality to the scene.

50. The Cellist, Self-Portrait

The Cellist, Self-Portrait

"The Cellist, Self-Portrait," painted by Gustave Courbet in 1847, is an oil on canvas artwork that exemplifies the Romanticism art movement. Measuring 46 1/8 x 35 1/2 inches (117 x 90 cm), this evocative self-portrait captures the artist himself in a brooding and introspective pose, holding a cello. The overall tonal palette is dominated by dark, earthy hues, contributing to the melancholic ambiance of the piece. Courbet's masterful use of light and shadow accentuates his thoughtful expression and the textures of his attire and the cello. This remarkable artwork is housed in the Nationalmuseum in Stockholm, Sweden.

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