Deer in the Forest 1868

Gustave Courbet painted these deer in the forest using oils on canvas. He was a leading figure in the Realist movement in mid-19th century France. Courbet challenged the art establishment by depicting ordinary subjects and everyday life rather than idealized historical or mythological scenes. Here, instead of a grand allegorical theme, we see deer in their natural habitat, rendered with close observation. Courbet's Realism reflected a broader shift in French society. The Industrial Revolution and urbanization were changing the landscape and class structures. Artists began to focus on the lives of ordinary people and the realities of the modern world. To understand this painting fully, we can research the art institutions of the time, the political climate, and the social conditions that shaped Courbet's vision. By understanding this context, we can appreciate the radical nature of his choice.