This political choice came at a high price for Courbet. Elected to represent the 6th arrondissement of Paris, he organised the Federation of Artists and chaired the Commission of Monuments, whose remit was to protect Paris and its museums — hence the caricatures. Enthusiastic and spontaneous, he encouraged the dismantling of the Vendôme Column. After the Versaillais' victory, he was held responsible for its destruction, fined a huge amount and consequently fled to Switzerland.