Vacant Frames

The Stonebreakers (1849) is one of the masterpieces of pivotal French Realist Gustave Courbet, an important precursor to Eduourd Manet and the Impressionists. The painting was groundbreaking for its depiction of brutal rural labor and caused a stir around the world when it was exhibited, during the turbulent and revolution-heavy 19th century. Its final resting place, however, was the city of Dresden, Germany. It was destroyed during the city's vicious bombing during World War II - or so it is thought. On this episode of Vacant Frames, explore the birth and unclear fate of a true Socialist painting. Theme music and sound effects credit:  Pavane, Op. 50 (flute ensemble arr.) by Steven David Tung is licensed under CC BY-NC 3.0. Horse Carriage Ambience sound effect by veromrengere is licensed under CC BY-NC 3.0