Gustave Courbet (French, 1819–1877) "To paint human beings, and paint them well--that's the really difficult thing," said Gustave Courbet. His corpulent women shocked his critics, who were accustomed to less earthy depictions of the female form.
Though Courbet painted many female nudes, only two of his drawings of this subject survive. For this
composition, Courbet modified the traditional academic nude study, the
académie, into a more ordinary, less classically refined figure. He depicted a modern woman, but her
classical pose and his sensitive modulation of form and careful rendering of flesh tones recall his study of the
Old Masters in the
Musée du Louvre.
Courbet made this drawing for a friend who remains unidentified. His inscription--
Mon Vieux, C'en est une qu'on enverra à Sainte Beuve s'il nous embête! Gustave Ct. 28 Avril 49 (Old man, here's one to send Sainte Beuve if he gives us a hard time!)--refers to literary historian and critic Charles-Augustin Sainte-Beuve, who was known for his conservative opinions. The words
Les Debats at the woman's elbow probably refer to
Le Journal des Débats, which published arts criticism.
High Quality Wood Framed Print using museum quality paper and archival inks with a white border or with cut mat for a contemporary look. Comes with Acrylite glazing and hanging hardware. These are Made in USA or Europe depending upon your location.
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Artwork in this collection is from The J. Paul Getty Museum. Reproduction rights are reserved by the copyright owner and used under license by Archivea.
