The Origin of the World - Gustave Courbet
The Origin of the World, painted in 1866 by Gustave Courbet, is a daring work that has left its mark on art history. Depicting a female nude in close-up, this painting reveals a woman's sex with surgical precision, breaking with the conventions of the time. Courbet, a major figure of realism, chose to depict reality without make-up or idealisation. Although the painting can be categorised as a portrait, it transcends this genre to approach an anatomical study, while questioning social taboos. This work, both provocative and revolutionary, illustrates Courbet's desire to push back the boundaries of artistic representation.
Would you like to buy another Gustave Courbet painting? Discover all our reproductions of this artist.
L'œuvre en bref
The Origin of the World, painted in 1866 by Gustave Courbet, is a daring work that has left its mark on art history. Depicting a female nude in close-up, this painting reveals a woman's sex with surgical precision, breaking with the conventions of the time. Courbet, a major figure of realism, chose to depict reality without make-up or idealisation. Although the painting can be categorised as a portrait, it transcends this genre to approach an anatomical study, while questioning social taboos. This work, both provocative and revolutionary, illustrates Courbet's desire to push back the boundaries of artistic representation.
Would you like to buy another Gustave Courbet painting? Discover all our reproductions of this artist.