Gustave Courbet

Painted stone-breakers and village funerals at the size reserved for history painting, which was the provocation. He took part in the Paris Commune and was held responsible for toppling the Vendôme Column, then billed for its re-erection and died in exile in Switzerland.

• Lived: 1819 CE – 1877 CE
• Nationality: french
• Roles: painter, revolutionary