The Source of the Loue 1864

"The Source of the Loue" is an 1864 painting by French artist Gustave Courbet. The painting depicts a waterfall cascading from a dark cave, with a small building and waterwheel visible in the foreground. Courbet's realist style, exemplified by his use of earthy tones and detailed rendering, captures the raw beauty of nature, a common theme in his oeuvre. Known for his focus on everyday subjects and rejection of academic conventions, Courbet's works often celebrate the working class and rural life. "The Source of the Loue" showcases Courbet's skill in capturing the dynamic movement of water and the rugged grandeur of the natural world.