The artwork known as “Portrait of the Artist, called The Wounded Man” was created by Gustave Courbet between 1844 and 1845. This self-portrait is a work of oil on canvas, measuring 97.5 by 81.5 centimeters. The painting is an embodiment of the Romanticism art movement and is currently housed in the Musée d’Orsay in Paris.
The artwork portrays Courbet as a tragically wounded figure. His head leans gently to the side, suggesting a state of unconsciousness or deep reverie. His eyes are closed, and his facial expression is serene yet poignant, which could symbolize a metaphorical wounding rather than a physical one. The artist’s shirt is partly undone, revealing his chest and a startling detail: a bloodstain on his white shirt just above his heart—an index of injury that is at once intimate and striking. In his right hand, he casually but firmly grips a sword, further hinting at the complex interplay of vulnerability and strength in the character of the artist himself. The background, dimly lit and composed of somber tones, features tree trunks and a dusky sky, enhancing the overall emotive quality of the scene. The personal and dramatic elements characteristic of the Romantic movement are evident in the theatrical presentation of the figure and the emotionally charged atmosphere of the scene.
