Seascape Near Trouville 

Gustave Courbet made this oil painting, "Seascape Near Trouville," sometime in the mid-19th century. At first glance, the painting is dominated by broad, horizontal bands of colour: the tan of the beach, a grey-blue sea, and the misty expanse of the sky. These bands are punctuated by dark, rugged rocks in the foreground and soft, grey clouds above, creating a sense of depth and atmosphere. Courbet's realist approach is evident in his attention to the materiality of the paint itself. Thick, visible brushstrokes define the clouds and rocks, emphasizing texture and the physical presence of the scene. This focus on materiality and form aligns with Courbet's rejection of idealized academic painting. Rather than presenting a romanticized view, Courbet captures the stark reality of the natural world. The subdued palette and the rough texture of the paint contribute to an emotional tone that is less about beauty and more about the immediate, sensory experience of being at the beach. The painting challenges our expectations and provides a direct encounter with nature.