GUSTAVE COURBET - THE DESPERATE MAN, 1843

Courbet was a self-absorbed artist, referring to himself as the most proud and conceited man in France. This resulted in several self-portraits within his collection of artwork, featuring a range of styles and compositions. The Desperate Man portrays him close-up, while in other instances, he is shown outdoors surrounded by landscapes. Courbet was considered an attractive man, which may have added to his ego and made him an excellent model for his own work.

This artwork shows the artist with light illuminating his face from the left, giving the impression of anxiety or panic. The artist's left hand is extended firmly, with his eyes wide open, gazing straight at the viewer, establishing a powerful connection. The simple brown backdrop highlights his facial expressions and the intricate details of his white shirt, portrayed meticulously.

The lighting and the artist's anguished expression make The Desperate Man a portrait to remember. Its dramatic structure might evoke comparisons to the styles of Caravaggio and Rembrandt for some viewers. Courbet cherished this painting, keeping it in his studio until his death, and even bringing it with him into exile years after its making.

The painting shows his frustrations during the period he created it, having faced multiple rejections from the Salon in Paris. Some critics argue that it reflects Courbet's personality, while others propose that it was intended to create a stronger connection between the viewer and the subject. Courbet had created other self-portraits showing similar anguish, but with the subject further back in the composition.