The Stone Breakers by Gustave Courbet (France — 1849) — Questions and answers

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What happened to Gustave Courbet's famous painting, 'The Stone Breakers'?

Choices

  1. It was sold for a very high price.
  2. It was hidden away in a secret museum.
  3. It was sadly destroyed during a WWII bombing. ✓
  4. It was stolen by art thieves.

Answer: It was sadly destroyed during a WWII bombing.

From page 1

Why did the Paris Salon judges reject Courbet's early paintings?

Choices

  1. They thought his work was too famous.
  2. They believed his work was too unconventional and lacked idealized beauty. ✓
  3. They liked his paintings too much.
  4. They wanted him to paint more flowers.

Answer: They believed his work was too unconventional and lacked idealized beauty.

From page 3

Why did Courbet return to his hometown of Ornans?

Choices

  1. To buy a new car.
  2. To seek inspiration for his paintings. ✓
  3. To visit a theme park.
  4. To learn how to cook.

Answer: To seek inspiration for his paintings.

From page 6

What did Courbet insist on showing when painting the laborers for 'The Stone Breakers'?

Choices

  1. Their fancy hats and shoes.
  2. Their magical powers.
  3. Their worn clothes, calloused hands, and stooped postures. ✓
  4. How much money they had.

Answer: Their worn clothes, calloused hands, and stooped postures.

From page 7

What did Courbet become involved in during the Paris Commune?

Choices

  1. A grand painting contest.
  2. The struggles of the working class and their demands for social justice. ✓
  3. A debate about the best type of flowers to paint.
  4. A journey to find a hidden treasure.

Answer: The struggles of the working class and their demands for social justice.

From page 8