In the Woods 1860

Gustave Courbet made this oil painting, In the Woods, in France sometime in the mid-19th century. Courbet was a leading figure in the Realist movement, which sought to depict the world as it is, without idealization or romanticism. His choice of subject matter – a simple scene in the woods – reflects the Realist focus on everyday life. The thick brushstrokes and earthy tones create a sense of immediacy and authenticity, capturing the raw, untamed beauty of the natural world. Courbet's landscapes often challenged the academic art establishment of his time, which favored historical or mythological subjects. Art historians often consult exhibition reviews and artist correspondence to gain insight into the social and institutional forces that shaped artistic production in France at this time. Through this kind of study, we can better understand the public role of art and the politics of imagery in Courbet's world.