Courbet (1819-1877)

Courbet (1819-1877)

Gustave Courbet's work, "The heroism of modern life", was denounced for its supposed vulgarity and lack of spiritual content. He had condemned traditional subject matter. This began a revolution of subject matter. Courbet's guiding principle of his art was nature, the undisguised truth. His paintings acted as windows allowing the viewer to see the action within. His art acted as allegory bringing real things into art work. Thick imposto paint was used. He was an admirer of Rembrandt and studied the "naturalism" of Caravaggio. This is "The Bathers" from 1853 when nudes were quite controversial. [MH] {GB}