L’âne 1862 - 1863

"L’âne" (The Donkey) is a painting by Gustave Courbet, created in 1862-1863. It depicts a donkey drinking from a trough, rendered in a realistic style characteristic of Courbet's work. Known for his focus on everyday subjects and the working class, Courbet's painting highlights the animal's simple existence and its connection to nature. The subdued palette and the donkey's posture evoke a sense of tranquility and solitude, while the rough brushstrokes contribute to the painting's raw and authentic feel. This work is a prime example of Realism in art, a movement that aimed to depict the world accurately and without sentimentality.