Who painted The Stream of the Black Well?

The Stream of the Black Well was painted by Gustave Courbet in 1872.

Where can I see The Stream of the Black Well?

The Stream of the Black Well is held by Walters Art Museum.

What movement is The Stream of the Black Well?

The Stream of the Black Well is associated with Realism.

Can I buy a print of The Stream of the Black Well?

Museum-quality prints of The Stream of the Black Well are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

The Stream of the Black Well

Gustave Courbet , 1872

The Stream of the Black Well is an oil painting by the Realist artist Gustave Courbet. It dates from 1872 and is held in the collection of the Walters Art Museum.

About this work

Overview

The Stream of the Black Well is an 1872 oil painting by Gustave Courbet, a prominent figure in 19th-century French Realism. The work captures a serene natural scene, characterized by a central stream, rocky terrain, and surrounding vegetation, all reflected in the calm water.

Subject & Meaning

The painting's subject is an everyday, observable landscape, underscoring Courbet's Realist approach. By depicting a tranquil, unremarkable scene, Courbet rejects Romantic and academic conventions, instead emphasizing the beauty in mundane reality.

Technique & Style

Courbet's use of bold, expressive brushstrokes in The Stream of the Black Well adds texture and emotional depth to the landscape. His manipulation of color and light creates a sense of depth, inviting the viewer into the serene atmosphere.

History & Provenance

Painted in 1872, The Stream of the Black Well is now part of the Walters Art Museum's collection.

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Artist & collection

Artist

Gustave Courbet

Jean Désiré Gustave Courbet (UK: KOOR-bay; US: koor-BAY; French: ; 10 June 1819 – 31 December 1877) was a French painter who led the Realism movement in 19th-century French painting.