Hunter on Horseback c. 1864

"Hunter on Horseback" (c. 1864) by Gustave Courbet, a prominent figure in the Realist movement, depicts a solitary hunter mounted on his horse amidst a wintry landscape. The muted palette and focus on the figures' somber expressions contribute to the painting's melancholic mood. The hunter, shrouded in darkness, appears lost in thought, highlighting Courbet's interest in capturing the everyday lives of ordinary people. The scene is rendered with a stark realism, emphasizing the harshness of the environment. The horse's lowered head and long shadows add to the sense of isolation and weariness.