The Gust of Wind c. 1860s

"The Gust of Wind" is a landscape painting by French Realist painter Gustave Courbet, created in the 1860s. The painting depicts a serene, yet powerful natural scene of a river flowing through a wooded valley, with trees bending and swaying in the wind. Courbet is renowned for his realistic depictions of everyday life, and this work captures the raw power of nature through precise brushwork and attention to detail. The dramatic sky, with dark clouds illuminated by sunlight, adds to the dynamic composition of the painting. "The Gust of Wind" is a fine example of Courbet's mastery of landscape painting, showcasing his commitment to capturing the beauty of the natural world.