L'Origine du Monde (The Origin of the World) – Gustave Courbet Print

Gustave Courbet painted L’Origine du Monde (The Origin of the World) in 1866. The radically cropped composition presents a reclining female torso and genitalia with extraordinary directness, rejecting the mythological disguises and idealised poses that traditionally surrounded the nude in European painting. The original oil on canvas is now in the Musée d’Orsay, Paris.

Courbet’s close viewpoint and almost anatomical frankness are balanced by richly handled flesh tones, warm amber colour and broad, sensuous brushwork. The Musée d’Orsay connects the painting to the Venetian tradition admired by Courbet, while its uncompromising realism makes it one of the most provocative images of nineteenth-century art. Its first owner and likely commissioner was the diplomat Khalil-Bey; the work later belonged to psychoanalyst Jacques Lacan before entering the museum in 1995.

This Gustave Courbet print suits collectors drawn to Realism, historically significant nude art and works that challenged established conventions. Its compact horizontal format works well above a desk, chest or sideboard, or as part of a more eclectic gallery wall.

All orders for unframed fine art prints and original paintings are dispatched within 2 working days of receipt of payment.

Orders for custom framed prints are dispatched within 4 working days.

All orders are fully tracked from dispatch to delivery at your home or business.

All print and original painting orders are fully insured against loss or damage in transit. We refund or replace any damaged or lost orders.

Buy with confidence - read what our satisfied customers have to say - Reviews

Fine art papers are printed without any additional white border Please let us know at the time of ordering if you would like a small additional white border.

Rolled canvas options have an additional white border of approximately 2.5 inches (7cm) on all 4 sides to aid stretching.

Ready to hang canvas panels are stretched on 1.5 inch deep solid pine frames from sustainable forestry sources. The image is mirrored on all 4 sides to give an aesthetically pleasing finish.

Why not have us gift wrap your order and attach a personalised message to the recipient. Available for all orders. Each order is hand wrapped in high quality gift wrap with meatllic ribbon and bow. Your personalised message is printed on a card which is included with your order.

Have your hand wrapped gift delivered directly to the recipient.

Full tracking and insurance included with every order.

Please note design may vary depending upon availability

Just purchase the gift wrap option HERE

We have a wide range of frames in standard sizes and we also make custom size frames.

To order a framed print:

1. select the print size you would like along with the print materials (matte paper, fine art paper).

2. Add your print choice to the basket.

3. Choose from our range of frames

4. Select the same size as the print you have added to your basket. If the frame size you want is not listed please contact us

5. Choose from the mount or no-mount option

6. Add your frame choice to the basket

7. Proceed to checkout.