Gustave Courbet (1819-1877) is considered to have introduced the practice of socially engaged painting, and he is viewed as one of the most important repre­sentatives of Realism. The direct and honest depic­tions of this artistic tendency-which ascribed to representing things as they are-challenged the ide­alized subject matter of academic painting and scan­dalized the Parisian society of the nineteenth century. Courbet became a leading figure of the rebellious ar­tistic bohème and cultivated a lively exchange with the predominant poets and artists of his era. Howev­er, he was not merely an anti-establishment provoca­teur; he significantly revolutionized landscape paint­ing. With seven essays this volume offers an introduc­tion to selected aspects of the artist's life and work. His paintings will also inspire even those who may not be well versed in the world of art. Courbet's in­credibly rich oeuvre and his exciting biography make him an artist worth discovering, again and again. (German edition ISBN 978-3-7757-3867-5) In conjunction with this exhibition a catalogue (German edition ISBN 978-3-7757-3862-0, English edition ISBN 978-3-7757-3863-7) and a printed volme (German edition ISBN 978-3-7757-3867-5, English edition ISBN 978-3-7757-3878-1). Exhibition: Fondation Beyeler, Riehen/Basel 7.9.2014-18.1.2015

Zusammenfassung
Gustave Courbet (18191877) is considered to have introduced the practice of socially engaged painting, and he is viewed as one of the most important repre­sentatives of Realism. The direct and honest depic­tions of this artistic tendencywhich ascribed to representing things as they arechallenged the ide­alized subject matter of academic painting and scan­dalized the Parisian society of the nineteenth century. Courbet became a leading figure of the rebellious ar­tistic bohème and cultivated a lively exchange with the predominant poets and artists of his era. Howev­er, he was not merely an anti-establishment provoca­teur; he significantly revolutionized landscape paint­ing. With seven essays this volume offers an introduc­tion to selected aspects of the artist's life and work. His paintings will also inspire even those who may not be well versed in the world of art. Courbet's in­credibly rich oeuvre and his exciting biography make him an artist worth discovering, again and again. (German edition ISBN 978-3-7757-3867-5) In conjunction with this exhibition a catalogue (German edition ISBN 978-3-7757-3862-0, English edition ISBN 978-3-7757-3863-7) and a printed volme (German edition ISBN 978-3-7757-3867-5, English edition ISBN 978-3-7757-3878-1). Exhibition: Fondation Beyeler, Riehen/Basel 7.9.201418.1.2015

Inhalt

Prologue The Hammock Ornans - Flagey Industrialization in the CountrysideRemarks on The Stonebreakers and The Wheat Sifters Eugène Delacroix Sees The Painter's Studio With Knife and Thumb Origine du monde - Origine de la peinture Epilogue Notes Biography Recommended Reading and Viewing Literature Acknowledgments Photo credits