Étretat; Les Falaises 1870

"Étretat; Les Falaises" (1870) by Gustave Courbet is a realist landscape painting depicting the dramatic chalk cliffs of Étretat, France. Courbet's signature style, known for its directness and emphasis on the everyday, is evident in the painting's straightforward depiction of the natural world. The light-drenched scene features a stunning view of the cliffs, with a small sailboat in the foreground adding a sense of scale and human presence to the vast landscape. This work exemplifies Courbet's commitment to capturing the beauty and power of nature, while also showcasing his masterful handling of light and color.