Jo, La Belle Irlandaise

Gustave Courbet

Created:
Movement:
1866
Realism
key Notes:
"Vivid Realism" "Red-Haired Muse"
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Dimensions:
22 x 26 in. (55.9 x 66 cm)
medium:
Oil on canvas
Difficulty:
Expert
New game
story of the work:

We have not been able to find much information about this work, or we believe the information we sourced needed more review.

Jo, La Belle Irlandaise by Gustave Courbet

Jo, La Belle Irlandaise, painted by Gustave Courbet in 1866, is an exemplary work of the Realist movement, characterized by its detailed and unidealized portrayal of the subject. The painting features Joanna Hiffernan, an Irish model who was also the muse and partner of the American artist James McNeill Whistler. Courbet's choice to depict Hiffernan with such vivid realism reflects his commitment to capturing the essence of his subjects without romantic embellishment. This work is significant in art history for its contribution to the Realist movement, which sought to depict everyday life with honesty and accuracy. Courbet, a leading figure in this movement, often challenged traditional artistic conventions, advocating for art that represented the truth of contemporary life. His works, including Jo, La Belle Irlandaise, continue to influence artists and art historians for their bold approach to realism and their impact on the trajectory of modern art.

Description of the work:

Jo, La Belle Irlandaise by Gustave Courbet

Created in 1866, "Jo, La Belle Irlandaise" by Gustave Courbet is an oil on canvas painting that exemplifies the Realist style, capturing the natural beauty and individuality of the subject, Joanna Hiffernan. The artwork is part of the collection at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.

Artwork Photograph Source:
Metropolitan Museum of Art

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Jo, La Belle Irlandaise