Final Post

            When I knew I would have to take Impressionism through post-modernism I was not enthusiastic. But now that I have learned the history and technical advances in art that encouraged Impressionism and Post-modernism I am appreciative of the art movements. The reason why I did not like these art movements was because I held a deep love for realism and idealism, so the High Renaissance and Baroque period were my preferred art movements. Now though, that I have been immersed in the art world of Impressionists I have grown very fond of the Impressionists art, particularly the avant-garde realism. Although, artistically I have not recently been influenced by the artistic movements we discussed in class, I have seen some works of art that I am aesthetically pleased with.

            I would like to begin with the Stone Breakers by Gustave Courbet. I really enjoyed this piece not only because of its history, but because of its artistic style. At the time the piece was made the Socialist movements were taking place because of the exploitation of the working class by the bourgeoisie. I’ve read the Communist Manifesto and I agree with many of the ideas that Marx proposed to form a more perfect society. Although some ideas would not work and need further adjustment, Marx’s Manifesto paved way for a new way of thinking. Today this could be brought up in the current Occupy movement. Many of the middle and lower class are protesting that the high class is not contributing as much as the middle and lower class are. The Stone Breakers although from a different time period, reflects those same ideas. The piece shows two men, one a boy and the other an old man. From their clothing and occupation, it is good to assume that they are the lower class. They are hard at work doing the jobs nobody wants to do to support their families.

            At the time it was made many of the critics that saw that piece where disgusted and offended at the piece because of its subject matter and its artistic style. The bourgeoisie did not like that the piece focused on such lowly life forms and not only that but exposed the unfairness the rich had against the poor. The piece was also presented as an academic piece, through its size and naturalist style. St. Simon stated that art should have a purpose in society, to contribute to society that would benefit it. I completely agree in that aspect, if we as human beings have something we can share with the world then we should have an obligation to share it and use it as a way to provide people with information and to better themselves and their community. Courbet used this piece to address the issue of the exploitation of the poor and to raise awareness of the new socialist ideas that were taking place. Like Courbet I want to create art that addresses the issues society currently has and hope that enough people see it to change their ideals and help society for the better.