Nude with Flowering Branch

Gustave Courbet

Created:
Movement:
1863
Realism
key Notes:
Realism, Sensuality
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Dimensions:
29 1/2 x 24 in. (74.9 x 61 cm)
medium:
Oil on canvas
story of the work:

"Nude with Flowering Branch" is a painting by French artist Gustave Courbet, created in 1863. The work exemplifies Courbet's commitment to realism and his exploration of the female form. The painting features a reclining nude woman, adorned with a flowering branch, which adds a naturalistic element to the composition. Courbet's use of color and texture highlights the physicality of the figure, emphasizing the contrast between the softness of the skin and the organic forms of the flowers. This work reflects the artist's interest in the relationship between nature and the human body. "Nude with Flowering Branch" is part of Courbet's broader oeuvre that challenges traditional representations of the nude in art. The current location of the painting is unknown, and it is not widely exhibited.

Description of the work:

"Nude with Flowering Branch," created by Gustave Courbet in 1863, features a reclining female nude positioned against a dark background. The figure is depicted with a naturalistic approach, showcasing Courbet's commitment to realism. The skin tones are rendered with a range of warm hues, contrasting with the cooler tones of the background. The subject's body is characterized by soft curves and a relaxed posture, emphasizing the organic form. A flowering branch is placed near the figure, introducing a delicate element that contrasts with the solidity of the nude. The composition is balanced, with the branch drawing the viewer's eye towards the figure while also providing a sense of intimacy. Courbet's brushwork is visible, contributing to the texture of the skin and the foliage. The overall effect is one of harmony between the human form and nature, reflecting Courbet's exploration of the relationship between the two.

Artwork Photograph Source:
Metropolitan Museum of Art

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Nude with Flowering Branch