We believe art has the power to transform lives and to build understanding across cultures. The brilliant histories of art belong to everyone, no matter their background.
With 503 contributors from 201 colleges, universities, museums, and research centers, Smarthistory is the most-visited art history resource in the world.
We created Smarthistory to provide students around the world with the highest-quality educational resources for art and cultural heritage—for free.
Artists > Gustave Courbet
A pioneering Realist, Courbet’s work frequently showed concern with political subjects. His style would be influential on European modernism.
1849–50
1854
1854–55
1849
Dates
Places
Your donations help make art history free and accessible to everyone!