Seascape at Etretat 1869

Gustave Courbet's "Seascape at Etretat," painted in 1869, captures the raw power of the sea crashing against the rocky cliffs of Etretat, France. The painting depicts a dramatic scene of churning waves and a small sailboat in the distance, dwarfed by the imposing cliffs. Courbet's realist style, known for its direct observation of nature, is evident in the detail and texture of the waves and rocks. This work is a prime example of Courbet's "Realist" movement, where the artist emphasized the representation of everyday life and the natural world.