The mill is set on a waterfall on the river Orbe in Switzerland, near the French border. The textures of the paint immitate the rushing water and geology. Courbet had anarchic views on both art and politics and was a key activist during the civil unrest which followed the Franco-Prussian War of 1870-71. He spent the end of his life in exile.

This work is currently on display:

Gallery 11

National Museum Cardiff, level 4

 Stairs up

 Stairs down

 Lift