Jean Désiré Gustave Courbet
June 10, 1819
Gustave Courbet led the Realist movement in French paintings in the 19th century. He’s known for his land and seascapes and figures, especially his erotic works, such as The Origin of the World (featuring female genitalia). The Stonebreakers, above, is considered one of his greatest paintings. According to GustaveCourbet.org, Courbet tended to paint peasants in their everyday lives versus the rich in glamorous settings, as many of his contemporaries did.
I prefer brigh colors so I’m drawn more to Courbet’s landscapes, such as The Cliffs at Etretat After the Storm, one the scenes Monet often painted.
The beautiful is in nature, and it is encountered under the most diverse forms of reality. Once it is found it belongs to art, or rather to the artist who discovers it.
Gustave Courbet
Do you like Courbet’s realistic style? Do you have a favorite Courbet painting? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.