The artwork titled “Woman with gloves” was created by artist Gustave Courbet in 1858. It is a portrait, exemplifying the Realism art movement, and it measures 63.2 by 52.1 centimeters. The work is part of the collection at the National Gallery of Canada, located in Ottawa, Canada.
The artwork features a woman seated against a dark, muted background, drawing the viewer’s focus entirely on her. She is dressed in a dark-colored garment with wide sleeves and ruffled embellishments. Soft white ruffles also adorn the collar of her dress, contrasting with the darker tones of her attire. The woman depicted wears gloves that she seems to be either putting on or removing, a detail that contributes to her genteel demeanor. Her dark hair is styled in a way that frames her face, and her expression exudes a sense of quiet confidence and poise. The brushwork is realistic, capturing the textures of fabric and the softness of the subject’s skin. In the realm of Realism, Courbet’s work stands out for his focus on depicting subjects truthfully without idealization, and this portrait is a testament to his dedication to capturing the essence of his subject with authenticity and respect for the mundane.
