Jean Gustave Courbet, French painter, a key figure of the Realist Movement in 19th century.
Gustave Courbet, Self-portrait (The Desperate Man)
(1844-45)
Every time I looked at his works, I just couldn't help laughing. It is seen that 'bad boy' still has such influences imposing on his readers over the time and space after his death. Apart from his artistic excellence, he is also an image of rebellence and self-indulgence. He had never missed out any opportunities to praise himself with his slick brushes as he was so capable to do so. Even his wealthy patron paid him to paint a work, he would position himself at the center of the painting with a gesture of proud (see The Meeting, 1854). Of course, the patron Mr. Alfred Buryas was very disappointed with the work and felt betrayed. And the work was seen as Courbet's self-glorification, he was critisized as an narcissism at the time. However, Courbet was enjoyed such criticisms. Over the centuries, the artists served as servants for their patrons. Courbet's challenge to this hierarchy once again remarked his role as a socialist painter or a fighter which has added more credits on his legenary life.
Self-portrait (1848-49)
Wounded Man, Self-portrait (1845-54)
The Meeting, 1854
He said, "Show me an angel and I will paint one." But sometimes his works were quite controversial.
Sorry, can't show the full painting as it is a little 'disturbing'...( I know, my fault...)
The Origin of the World (1866)
The Grain Sifters (1854-55)
Courbet had achieved great recognition in his life time, although he had been through heavy criticisms, a hard time in jail and exiled because of the crisis of bankruptcy.
He once said, "I am fifty years old and I have always lived in freedom; let me end my life free; when I am dead let this be said of me: 'He belonged to no school, to no church, to no institution, to no academy, least of all to any régime except the régime of liberty."
No comments:
Post a Comment