Portret van Gustave Courbet before 1878

This photograph, "Portret van Gustave Courbet", is a portrait of the French painter Gustave Courbet, captured by Etienne Carjat before 1878. Courbet, a pivotal figure in Realism, was known for his controversial yet influential paintings that challenged the traditional art world. Carjat's photograph depicts Courbet with his signature beard and piercing gaze, conveying his resolute and unconventional spirit. This intimate portrait, now part of the Rijksmuseum collection, offers a glimpse into the personality of a groundbreaking artist who dared to depict everyday life with honesty and realism.