Gustave Courbet: The Rebel Painter from Ornans, Episode 620

He painted village funerals on canvases meant for kings. He turned down the Legion of Honor. He died in exile. Meet Gustave Courbet. Annie Sargent and Elyse Rivin tell the story of the self-taught painter from Ornans who refused to follow the rules of the French art world. Elyse explains why his paintings caused scandal after scandal, how he got caught up in the Paris Commune, and why the Impressionists owed him so much. Annie shares her visit to the Courbet Museum, where one small room makes every visitor gasp. Then Annie takes you to the Loue Valley, with its viewpoints, hikes and quiet villages. Press play, and subscribe to Join Us in France so you never miss an episode.