The Stonebreakers realizes Courbet’s aim of informing the masses about the harsh existence of peasant workers during his time by revealing the trying conditions that miners had to face, so as to encourage people to aid them (Fernier). This painting shows two peasants, a boy and a grown man, in tatters, slaving away on boulders with mallets. From a cursory glance, we immediately realize the depth and sharpness of the canvas; the painting is rigidly detailed to the point where it is devoid of any romanticism or drama, a quality that is unique to realism. Secondly, we notice that the colors used are monotonous, which reflects the languishing tone of the painting while the two peasants toil away on stones. This allows Courbet to draw emphasis on the hardship that peasants had to overcome. Third, the manner in which Courbet depicts the boy, who is too young to carry stones, and the man, who is too old to continue breaking stones, demonstrates his sympathy for the disadvantaged workers (Fernier).