Child of materialism and positivism, Courbet was without a doubt one of the most complex painters of the nineteenth century. Symbolising the rejection of traditions, Courbet did not hesitate to confront the public with the truth by liberating painting of conventional rules. He became from then on the leader of pictorial realism.This text on Courbet is the result of years of intensive research and traces with great care contradictory testimonies, the praises as well as the negative critics this controversial painter had during his times. By his precision as an art historian, Georges Riat sheds new light on the work of this artist who created a real separation with the academicism of the time.

Born of both materialism and positivism, Gustave Courbet stands out as one of the mostcomplex painters of the nineteenth century. Reiecting tradition, Courbet confronted thepublic with the truths of his time as he liberated painting from the rules of convention in bothsubject and style, and established himself as the leader of pictorial realism.This study of Courbet meticulously retraces historical accounts of his contemporaries includingthe praises and critiques inspired by this controversial painter. Though his astute research as anart historian, Georges Riat offers a new approach to the work of an artist who embodied thedecisive break with academic painting.

Introduction: Childhood and Youth in Ornans and Besancon

Ⅰ. The Beginnings

 Paris and the First Salons

 The First Successes of Realism

Ⅱ. Glory

 Courbet: the Centre of Controversy

 Courbet between Success and Scandal

Ⅲ. Decline

 The Beginning of the End

 The Fall

Conclusion: Death of a Master

Chronology

List of Illustrations