Portrait of a Man c. 1862

"Portrait of a Man" is a realist oil painting created in 1862 by renowned French artist Gustave Courbet. Known for his controversial and direct approach to subject matter, Courbet's paintings often depict everyday people and scenes with unflinching honesty. This portrait, with its stark realism and focus on detail, embodies the artist's commitment to depicting the world as he saw it. The man's intense gaze and the subtle nuances of his facial features suggest a sense of introspection and perhaps even a hint of melancholy, characteristic of Courbet's style.