The artwork titled “Portrait of Madthilde Couq” is a creation by artist Gustave Courbet, completed in the year 1857. It is executed in oil on paper and exemplifies the Realism art movement. Measuring 48 by 39 centimeters, it is a portrait genre piece and as of the latest knowledge, it resides within a private collection.
The artwork depicts a woman, presumably Madthilde Couq, shown up to her bust. Her gaze is directed toward the viewer, and there is a softness in her eyes that suggests a serene disposition. Her complexion appears fair, and her hair, dark and neatly arranged, frames her face. She is adorned with subtle earrings, hinting at an elegance that does not overstate itself. The woman is dressed in a dark garment with a light collar peeking out, which provides contrast in the otherwise dimly lit composition.
Courbet’s brushwork supports the Realist ambition to depict subjects truthfully, without artifice or grandeur. The dark background envelops the subject, drawing the viewer’s attention directly to her visage, which gently emerges from the shadows. Courbet’s aptitude for capturing the humanity of his subjects is evident in this intimate portrayal, where the character and inner life of Madthilde Couq seem to resonate with quiet intensity.
