Western Art Movements I Art Movements    

Lesson 23: Romanticism - The Desperate Man (1843-1845)

by Gustave Courbet

Directions

Study the artwork for one week.

Over the week:

• Examine the artwork.
• Read the synopsis.
• Study the vocabulary words.
• Recite the artist and artwork names.
• Read about the artwork's movement.
• Complete the enrichment activities.
• Discuss the review questions.

Synopsis

Gustave Courbet painted his Romantic self-portrait, 'The Desperate Man,' between 1843-1845. The artist shows himself wide-eyed and frantic. His hands tear at his flowing brown hair. What has caused his desperation? Perhaps he's unsatisfied with a painting he's working on, his artwork isn't getting the desired recognition, or he's troubled by his finances. Whatever inspired this work, he's captured himself in the throes of despair.

Vocabulary

Desperate: In dire need of something.
Despair: Loss of hope.

Concepts

Featured Movement:

1. Name - Romanticism
2. Timeline - late 1700s-early 1900s

Romanticism Characteristics and Subjects:

1. Passionate Emotions ('The Kiss' by Francesco Hayez in 1859)

2. Nature ('Chalk Cliffs at Ruegen' by Caspar David Friedrich circa 1818-1819)

3. Mysticism ('The Abbey in the Oakwood' by Caspar David Friedrich between 1809-1810)

4. Nationalism ('The Charging Chasseur' by Théodore Géricault circa 1812)

5. Medieval Times ('The Lady of Shalott' by John William Waterhouse in 1888 refers back to medieval Arthurian legend)

Enrichment

Activity 1: Can You Find It?

Find the following in the artwork:

• Gustave Courbet
• Something Wide
• Something Being Pulled
• Something Clutching
• A Smock
• This Painting's Artist

Activity 2: Narrate the Artwork

• After studying the artwork, narrate the scene shown aloud using your own words.

Activity 3: Classify the Artwork

• This artwork belongs to the Romantic art movement.
• Find Romanticism on the timeline.
• During which (estimated) years did Romanticism flourish?
• Which art movement preceded Romanticism?
• Which art movement followed Romanticism?

Activity 4: Recreate the Artwork   

• Click the crayon above and complete page 26 of 'Fourth Grade Art History Coloring Book.'

Review

Question 1

Who are the characters in the artwork?

1 / 5

Answer 1

The sole character is Gustave Courbet.

1 / 5

Question 2

What is the expression of the painting's subject?

2 / 5

Answer 2

The painting's subject wears an expression of despair.

2 / 5

Question 3

To which western art movement does this painting belong?

3 / 5

Answer 3

This painting belongs to the Romantic art movement.

3 / 5

Question 4

How is this painting reflective of Romanticism?

4 / 5

Answer 4

The Romantic art movement often portrayed strong emotions such as despair.

4 / 5

Question 5

During which century was this artwork created?

5 / 5

Answer 5

Courbet painted this artwork in the 19th century.

5 / 5

❮ ❯

1. Who are the characters in the artwork? The sole character is Gustave Courbet.
2. What is the expression of the painting's subject? The painting's subject wears an expression of despair.
3. To which western art movement does this painting belong? This painting belongs to the Romantic art movement.
4. How is this painting reflective of Romanticism? The Romantic art movement often portrayed strong emotions such as despair.
5. During which century was this artwork created? Courbet painted this artwork in the 19th century.

References

'Romanticism.' Wikipedia. Wikipedia.org. n.p.

'Le Désespéré.' Wikipedia. Wikipedia.org. n.p.