The Wave 1871

"The Wave," painted by Gustave Courbet in 1871, depicts a powerful wave crashing onto a beach. Courbet, known for his realist style, focused on capturing the natural world with accuracy and detail. The dark, stormy sky contrasts sharply with the bright, foamy crest of the wave, creating a sense of dramatic tension. The scene is a reminder of nature's power and unpredictability, characteristics often explored in Courbet's other works.