Source of the Lison Gustave Courbet (1819-1877)

The canvas presents a dramatic landscape dominated by a rocky overhang and a cascading waterfall. The composition is structured around a central axis formed by the fall itself, which plunges into a body of water in the foreground. A dense thicket of foliage, rendered in vibrant yellows and oranges, clings to the base of the rock face, providing a stark contrast to the cool tones of the water and stone.
The artist employed a technique that emphasizes texture and light. The rocks are not depicted with smooth surfaces; instead, they appear rough and layered, built up through visible brushstrokes. Light plays across these surfaces, creating highlights and shadows that suggest depth and volume. The waterfall itself is captured in mid-motion, the water appearing as streaks of white against the darker rock, conveying a sense of energy and dynamism.
The color palette is largely earthy – browns, ochres, greens – but punctuated by the intense yellows and oranges of the vegetation. This localized burst of warmth draws the eye and creates a focal point within the otherwise somber scene. The water in the foreground reflects the surrounding landscape, blurring the distinction between earth and sky and contributing to an overall sense of atmospheric perspective.
Beyond the purely descriptive elements, the painting evokes a feeling of secluded grandeur. The rocky overhang acts as a natural frame, isolating the waterfall and creating a sense of enclosure. This framing suggests a hidden place, untouched by human presence. The scale of the rocks dwarfs the viewer, reinforcing the power and immensity of nature. There is an underlying suggestion of mystery; the source of the water remains unseen beyond the fall, hinting at something deeper and more profound within the landscape. The scene conveys not just visual beauty but also a sense of awe and reverence for the natural world.