A major influence of realism, leading to Naturalism, and on Impressionism, Courbet was one of those who paved the way for modern art.
realism
From groups in the countryside, he turned his attention to scandalous women bathing in the woods, then a series of superb landscapes.
One of the precursors to Impressionism and Naturalism, this is the first of a series looking at his career and paintings prior to his bicentenary in June. Covers the 1840s.
Religious works, including two Nativities and a fine painting of Joseph and Mary walking to Bethlehem, Naturalist and Impressionist styles too.
A major German painter in the late 19th century, he is often claimed to have been an Impressionist, but these works look very Naturalist to me.
Illustrated summary of the 8 articles in this series, links to articles on specific themes, alphabetical list and links for artists, and recommended books.
Better known for his sculpture, his visit to Seville let him paint women working in the huge tobacco factory there. He also depicted those working in coastal industries.
The influence and inheritance of Naturalism is hard to judge even now. Given the dramatic change in painting in the 20th century, its greatest inheritance may be in photography.
A lot changed in painting in the 1890s. Within just a few years, Naturalism went from being all the rage to old hat. These paintings show how.
From physicists to photographers developing their plates, Naturalist painters recorded the science and technology of their time.
