Gustave Courbet (1819-1877) is considered to have introduced the practice of socially engaged painting, and he is viewed as one of the most important repre sentatives of Realism. The direct and honest depic tions of this artistic tendency-which ascribed to representing things as they are-challenged the ide alized subject matter of academic painting and scan dalized the Parisian society of the nineteenth century. Courbet became a leading figure of the rebellious ar tistic boheme and cultivated a lively exchange with the predominant poets and artists of his era. Howev er, he was not merely an anti-establishment provoca teur; he significantly revolutionized landscape paint ing. With seven essays this volume offers an introduc tion to selected aspects of the artist's life and work. His paintings will also inspire even those who may not be well versed in the world of art. Courbet's in credibly rich oeuvre and his exciting biography make him an artist worth discovering, again and again. (German edition ISBN 978-3-7757-3861-3) In conjunction with this exhibition a catalogue (German edition ISBN 978-3-7757-3862-0, English edition ISBN 978-3-7757-3863-7) and a volme in the E-Books series (German edition ISBN 978-3-7757-3867-5, English edition ISBN 978-3-7757-3878-1). Exhibition: Fondation Beyeler, Riehen/Basel 7.9.2014-18.1.2015