Gustave Courbet (French, 1819 - 1877) The Source of the Loue, ca. 1864 Oil on canvas, 42 _ x 54 1/8" Collection Albright-Knox Art Gallery George B. and Jenny R. Mathews Fund, 1959

Gustave Courbet (coor-bay) believed that an artist should only paint things from his or her own experience. He once said, "I cannot paint an angel because I have never seen one." This belief denied him the opportunity to paint historical events, religious scenes, or imaginary compositions, leaving only the world and people around him. This philosophy became known as Realism. This did not mean that scenes were painted realistically (to look exactly like nature), but that all subject matter was taken from the real world and real life.

The artist was born in the town of Ornans to a farming family, and he always remained attached to his native countryside. Ornans is in eastern France in a region called the Franche-Comte, near the Swiss border. It is an area filled with natural curiosities, one of which is the source of the Loue River, which went on to flow through Ornans. Courbet painted many versions of this scene. This is the only one that does not include figures or piers, showing only the natural elements of the scene. The Loue River is subterranean until this point, and is already quite large when it emerges from the immense grotto. Courbet was fascinated by the geologic forces inherent in the site, forces that are somewhat mysterious because they originate underground.

Courbet put the paint on thickly with a palette knife to represent the rough texture of the rock, which he colored in various shades of tan and brown. The shiny quality of the paint conveys their dampness. The cave's interior is pitch black, adding to the mystery of the site. The water is also very dark as it flows out and then breaks into highlighted rapids as it hits the rocks, reflecting the power and speed of the Loue.

— Mariann Smith

SUGGESTIONS FOR HANDS-ON AND RELATED ACTIVITIES

• Study plants and animals that live in caves. Many of them adapt to the darkness in unusual ways.
• Study the geological aspects of cave formation. For example, how would a river like the Loue originate underground? How are stalactites and stalagmites formed?
• Have the students imagine an expedition into the cave. How would they prepare in terms of clothing and supplies? What would they discover? Have them write a story about their imaginary experiences!
• Have each student choose an environment (such as a cave, a rain forest, a desert, a swamp, etc.). Discuss how colors might evoke feelings or sensations about certain environments. Then have students choose four colors to express their chosen environment. Possible media: crayons, markers, paint, colored paper and collage, etc.
• Have each student select a small, simple object (i.e. pencil, shoe, cup, book, etc.) and draw it from memory. Then have students get the object, set it in front of them, examine it carefully, and draw it again. Compare the two drawings.