Man with Upraised Arm, Possibly a Self-Portrait

The work Man with Upraised Arm, Possibly a Self-Portrait by Gustave Courbet dates from the formative period of 1835-1845. This powerful early drawing showcases the artist grappling with the complexities of human form and self-representation before his mature Realist phase fully materialized. Executed in black and white chalk over graphite, the drawing utilizes papier bleuté, a tinted blue paper highly favored by draftsmen for its ability to intensify the contrast of white highlights. Courbet exploits the mid-tone of the paper to rapidly sketch the volume and musculature of the subject, creating a dramatic sense of light and shadow.

The dynamic pose, featuring the subject’s upraised arm, creates strong planar definitions and focuses the viewer’s attention on the intense expression. While the identity of the figure remains debated, the compelling psychological penetration suggests it may be one of Courbet's earliest self-portraits, a subject he would revisit throughout his career as he perfected his depiction of men and their emotional landscapes. Courbet masterfully uses the chalk medium to build visual weight, defining the structure of the face and the tension in the figure’s shoulder. This pivotal early drawing provides valuable insight into the origins of Courbet’s groundbreaking commitment to realism. The work, currently relined for preservation, is housed in the permanent collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. As an important historical document, high-resolution digital scans and physical prints are often made available through public domain initiatives, ensuring accessibility to studies of Courbet’s early technique.