The artwork 'Falaises d’Étretat' or 'The Etretat Cliffs' by Gustave Courbet, created in 1869, is a significant piece in his oeuvre, reflecting his realist approach and his fascination with the natural world.

Location and Composition

Courbet painted this work during his stay in Étretat, a small Norman town known for its dramatic cliffs and clear light. The painting focuses on the Porte d'Aval, a striking natural arch in the cliffs. It features the cliffs rising majestically from the sea, with a few fishing boats on the empty beach and minimal human presence.

Realist Approach

Courbet's approach to this painting is characterized by his commitment to realism. He ignored the picturesque aspects of the site and instead emphasized close visual observation of the natural elements. The painting is devoid of people and anecdotal details, highlighting the land, rock, sky, and sea in a straightforward and truthful manner.

Light and Atmosphere

The painting captures the clarity of the air and the limpid light after a storm, which was a hallmark of Courbet's work. The critic Castagnary praised the 'free, joyous air which circulates in the canvas and envelops the details,' reflecting the admiration that future Impressionists would have for Courbet's use of light and freedom.

Artistic and Historical Context

Courbet's work at Étretat was part of a series of landscapes he painted in the late 1860s. These works, including 'The Etretat Cliffs after the Storm' and 'The Stormy Sea,' were exhibited at the Salon of 1870, consolidating Courbet's reputation as a leading figure in the art scene of his time.

Critique and Legacy

The painting was praised by contemporary critics for its simplicity, truthful rendering, and the way it captured the essence of nature without embellishment. This approach was seen as striking, astonishing, and moving, and it contributed to Courbet's influence on subsequent art movements, including Impressionism.