Final answer:
The claim that Gustave Courbet was an anarchist is false; he was a socialist whose realist artwork reflected his political leanings and his intention to reveal the everyday life and struggles of ordinary people.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that Gustave Courbet considered himself politically an anarchist is false. Gustave Courbet was a leading figure in the Realist movement in art, and his works reflected his socialist political views rather than anarchism. He was known for his commitment to depicting the unvarnished truth of the society around him, which often included painting ordinary people, such as workers and peasants, in a manner that highlighted their everyday experiences. Within his art, he addressed social issues and notably rejected the standards of the academies which favored mythical, biblical, or historical themes.
Realist artists like Courbet, Honore Daumier, and Jean-Francois Millet, depicted sordid or untidy elements of life within their works. Courbet's approach to painting was characterized by a rough handling of paint and an emphasis on natural irregularities, suggesting a direct observation of his subjects. This methodology was at odds with the academic standards of perfection and idealized aesthetics. His work provided the impetus for future movements, such as Impressionism, and challenged the status quo, portraying life as it happened to ordinary citizens, regardless of their wealth or status.