The Farmers of Flagey 

Gustave Courbet painted "The Farmers of Flagey" to represent rural life in mid-19th century France. Courbet’s art challenged the conventions of the French Academy by portraying ordinary people and everyday scenes. He sought to depict the realities of rural life and its inhabitants. The painting offers a glimpse into the social fabric of the time, highlighting the importance of agriculture and the lives of those who toiled the land. The influence of social class is evident, for example, in the contrast between the farmers on horseback and those on foot. Courbet lived through the 1848 revolution and this artwork presents a progressive view of society by celebrating the working class. By examining historical archives, correspondence, and contemporary accounts, we can understand the historical context of Courbet's work and gain insights into the social and institutional forces that shaped his artistic vision. Ultimately, this artwork reminds us that art is a product of its time.