Bonvin was a prominent artist in the French Realist movement during the mid-to-late nineteenth century. He executed this self-portrait early in his career when he had only just begun to experiment with painting in oil. The influence of Gustave Courbet is clear, particularly in the textured brushwork, dramatic light and candid intensity of his facial expression. Courbet was a friend of Bonvin and painted his portrait (now lost) in 1846. Bonvin would have been able to learn from Courbet's technique while sitting as a model, and may have been inspired to attempt the same subject himself.
1847
Oil on canvas
66.4 x 55.2cm
Images and text © Bowes Museum, 2017
Where you'll find this
The Bowes Museum
Permanent collection