The Stream

Artist Gustave Courbet (Ornans, France, 1819 - 1877)

Mediumoil on canvas

ClassificationsPaintings And Drawings

DimensionsOverall: Height: 28.7 cm, Width: 36.8 cm
Frame: Height: 47.3 cm, Width: 55.4 cm

AcquisitionPurchased in 1927 with assistance from Sir James Murray.

CopyrightOut of copyright - CC0

LocationView by Appointment - Aberdeen Treasure Hub

Object numberABDAG003054

Keywords

About MeGustave Courbet was the foremost painter of the French art movement of realism, a term he was credited with inventing. A member of an affluent landowning family, Courbet remained close to his rural origins and frequently returned to his birthplace, Ornans, in search of subject matter.

By giving everyday scenes a monumental treatment, Courbet helped to break down the traditional hierarchy of subject matter, giving an increased emphasis to purely formal values in painting. Although he often painted on a grand scale, this work is a small intimate oil sketch. His example had a great influence on the Impressionists and on many Scottish artists who saw his work in France and in Scotland where it was collected by, amongst others, the Aberdonian John Forbes White. This painting was owned by another Aberdonian Sir James Murray, who was Chairman of Aberdeen Art Gallery from 1901-1928 and who assisted with its purchase for the Art Gallery in 1927.
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Courbet was the foremost painter of the French art movement of realism and influential on both the Impressionists and on many Scots painters studying in France