The Gust of Wind c. 1860s

Gustave Courbet made 'The Gust of Wind' using oil paint on canvas, a fairly conventional approach to painting. But, the way that Courbet applied the paint is what really brings this landscape to life. Notice how he used thick, textured brushstrokes to capture the movement of the wind through the trees and the roughness of the terrain. You can almost feel the force of nature bearing down on you. The visible brushwork emphasises the physicality of the painting process, reminding us of the artist's hand in creating this scene. This approach to painting was quite radical for its time, as it challenged the traditional idea that art should be polished and refined, more like a window onto the world than an object in its own right. Courbet's commitment to showing the real world, with all its imperfections, made him a key figure in the Realist movement. He elevated scenes from everyday life to the level of high art. Ultimately, Courbet shows us the value of appreciating the raw beauty and power of the natural world.