Courbet's Burial at Ornans is a unique artwork that stands out from other paintings of its time by depicting regular, identifiable people and an ordinary scene from a small town. This departure from traditional subjects was revolutionary and challenged art conventions. The figures in the painting are not idealized or heroic, but rather regular individuals from a small town. This departure from grand historical or mythological events challenged the conventions of the art world.
The painting also features an ordinary scene from Ornans, France, depicting a funeral procession, showcasing the common people mourning and grieving for a deceased member of their community. The impasto painting technique, which involves applying thick layers of paint to create a textured surface, adds depth and physicality to the painting, emphasizing the realistic portrayal of the scene and the people in it.
In summary, Courbet's Burial at Ornans stands out from other artworks by showcasing regular, identifiable people and an ordinary scene from a small town. The use of the impasto technique further enhances the painting's realistic portrayal.