The artwork titled “Swiss Landscape with Flowering Apple Tree” is a creation by the renowned artist Gustave Courbet, dating back to circa 1876. As an exemplar of the Realism movement, this oil on canvas painting measures 46.4 by 55.3 centimeters and falls under the landscape genre. Currently, the artwork is part of a private collection.
In the artwork, the central focus is a robust apple tree in full bloom, its vibrant white flowers contrasting with the lush green leaves. The tree stands out prominently in the foreground, suggesting the freshness and renewal associated with the spring season. Behind the flourishing tree, one can observe a pastoral setting composed of gently rolling hills that recede into the background. A pair of houses with distinctive red roofs and white walls are nestled comfortably amid the natural landscape, conjuring up a sense of bucolic tranquility. The houses are modest and unassuming yet perfectly integrated into the rural environment. The distant horizon is kissed by the soft hues of the sky, indicating either early morning light or the soft glow of the late afternoon. Gustave Courbet’s mastery in handling light and shadow gives depth to the scene, while his textured brushwork enhances the naturalistic feel of the terrain. The painting invites the viewer to partake in the serene harmony of rural life, untouched by the tumult of urban existence.
