“Young Ladies on the Banks of the Seine (Summer)” is a work of art created by Gustave Courbet between 1856 and 1857. This oil on canvas painting is a notable example from the Realism art movement, and it is categorized as a portrait genre. The artwork is currently housed in the Petit Palais in Paris, France.
The artwork depicts two young women situated in a lush, natural setting beside the River Seine. The foreground is dominated by the figure of a woman lying on her back, dressed in a white gown with intricate lace and patterned fabric details. Her pose is relaxed and seemingly languid, as she rests with her arms comfortably positioned and her eyes closed, suggesting a state of repose or possibly sleep. The softness of her features and the fluid draping of her clothing are captured with meticulous attention, reflecting the lifelike quality that Realism seeks to embody.
Beside her, partially seated and propped up by her elbow, is another woman dressed in a vibrantly colored dress with reddish tones and a yellow bonnet. She gazes off into the distance with a pensive expression, as if lost in her thoughts or absorbed by the beauty of the surroundings. The richly embroidered floral bouquet in her lap adds to the textural richness and contributes to the tranquil atmosphere of the scene.
The verdant foliage, which casts dappled shadows across the figures, frames the composition and provides a sense of depth. In the muted background, the tranquil waters of the Seine and the reflection of the sky can be discerned, enhancing the overall feeling of a serene, summertime setting.
Gustave Courbet’s careful treatment of light, texture, and form, along with the candid representation of the figures, showcases his mastery of Realist principles, emphasizing the beauty of ordinary moments and the human connection to nature.
