Which artistic approach was taken by Gustave Courbet?

Gustave Courbet is renowned for his role in the realism movement, which emerged as a reaction against the romanticism that dominated the art scene before him. His approach centered on capturing ordinary scenes and everyday subjects with an emphasis on accuracy and detail. Courbet sought to portray life as it truly was, avoiding idealization and grand narratives, which made his work accessible and relatable to the average person. This focus on realism can be seen in many of his key works, which depict mundane life, laborers, and rural activities, all rendered with a gritty honesty that marked a significant departure from the more polished and romanticized portrayals of people and scenes typical of earlier styles. This orientation towards the genuine experiences of ordinary people is what defines his contribution to the art world, making the chosen answer correct.