Hunting Dogs with Dead Hare

Gustave Courbet

Created:
Movement:
1857
Realism
key Notes:
Realism, Naturalistic Composition
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Dimensions:
36 1/2 x 58 1/2 in. (92.7 x 148.6 cm)
medium:
Oil on canvas
story of the work:

"Hunting Dogs with Dead Hare" is a painting by French artist Gustave Courbet, created in 1857. The work depicts two hunting dogs with a dead hare, showcasing Courbet's interest in realism and the natural world. It reflects the artist's commitment to portraying everyday subjects with a focus on detail and texture. The painting is characterized by its rich color palette and dynamic composition, emphasizing the physicality of the animals and the hare. Courbet's choice of subject matter aligns with the 19th-century fascination with hunting and the relationship between humans and nature. The current location of the painting is unknown, and it is not part of any major public collection. The work exemplifies Courbet's innovative approach to realism, which would influence future generations of artists.

Description of the work:

"Hunting Dogs with Dead Hare" by Gustave Courbet, created in 1857, depicts a realistic portrayal of two hunting dogs positioned prominently in the foreground. The dogs are rendered with meticulous attention to detail, showcasing their muscular forms and expressive features. The composition is anchored by the presence of a dead hare, which lies at the center, its lifeless body contrasting with the vitality of the dogs. The background features a naturalistic landscape, characterized by muted earth tones and a soft, atmospheric quality. Courbet's use of oil on canvas allows for rich textures, particularly in the fur of the dogs and the surface of the hare. The overall color palette is dominated by browns, greens, and grays, contributing to a sense of realism and immediacy. The painting exemplifies Courbet's commitment to realism, capturing the rawness of nature and the relationship between animals and their environment.

Artwork Photograph Source:
Metropolitan Museum of Art

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Hunting Dogs with Dead Hare