In Portrait of Madame Sophie Loiseau, Gustave Courbet presents a seated figure of Madame Loiseau, dressed elegantly in a dark gown. The background is a muted green, which contrasts with her pale skin and dark hair. Courbet's use of color emphasizes the subject's presence and draws the viewer's eye to her expression.

The overall composition conveys a sense of intimacy and realism. The painting is executed in oil on canvas, a medium Courbet frequently used to achieve depth and texture. The dimensions are approximately 60 x 80 cm, making it a moderately sized portrait. Courbet's brushwork is visible, with a focus on the details of Madame Loiseau's attire and facial features.

This attention to detail is characteristic of the Realism movement, which sought to depict subjects as they are. Gustave Courbet was a leading figure in the Realism movement, which emerged in the mid-19th century. This portrait, created in the 1860s, reflects his commitment to portraying everyday subjects with honesty. An interesting fact about this work is that Madame Loiseau was a close friend of Courbet, which adds a personal touch to the painting.

This connection may explain the warmth and familiarity present in her portrayal.