Gustave Courbet

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 repre-sentatives of Realism. The direct and honest depic-tions of this artistic tendency-which ascribed to representing things as they are-challenged the ide-alized subject matter of academic painting and scan-dalized the Parisian society of the nineteenth century. Courbet became a leading figure of the rebellious ar-tistic boheme and cultivated a lively exchange with the predominant poets and artists of his era. Howev-er, he was not merely an anti-establishment provoca-teur; he significantly revolutionized landscape paint-ing. With seven essays this volume offers an introduc-tion 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 in-credibly 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