Question

What prompted the negative reactions to Courbet's paintings at the Salon of 1851? You should be able to discuss how critics responded to the paintings based on factors that were not necessarily in the paintings themselves. To make this argument, you should be able to talk about the political upheavals and repressions of 1848-51, Courbet's use of popular imagery and the pamphlet Courbet commissioned from Max Buchon about his paintings.

Answer 1

The negative reactions to Courbet's paintings at the Salon of 1851 were prompted by the political upheavals and repressions during that time, Courbet's use of popular imagery, and the controversial pamphlet he commissioned.

Step-by-step explanation:

The negative reactions to Courbet's paintings at the Salon of 1851 were prompted by several factors that were not necessarily in the paintings themselves. One factor was the political upheavals and repressions of 1848-51. During this time, there were many social and political changes happening in France, and Courbet's paintings, which depicted the harshness of life and challenged contemporary academic ideas of art, were seen as a reflection of these changes.

Another factor was Courbet's use of popular imagery. He painted subjects such as peasants and workers, which were considered vulgar and unidealized. This departure from traditional subjects of religious or historical paintings was controversial and received negative reactions from critics.

Finally, Courbet commissioned a pamphlet from Max Buchon about his paintings. The pamphlet defended Courbet's work and argued for the importance of his realistic approach to art. However, this pamphlet also stirred up controversy and may have contributed to the negative reactions to his paintings.