Focus on Proudhon and His Children and analyze the History.
Two other titles were given by Courbet to this painting, namely Proudhon and His Family and Pierre Joseph Proudhon and his children in 1853. A letter from the painter to Jules-Antoine Castagnary, from July 14, 1867, suggests that Euphrasia, the philosopher's wife, appeared instead of the basket and the wicker armchair covered with fabrics. The canvas was therefore repainted, shortly before the artist's major personal exhibition in 1867. The painting seems a priori to be a posthumous tribute to Pierre-Joseph Proudhon, who died on January 20, 1865, but in reality, the painter, knowing that his friend was sick, had the idea, shortly before his death, to execute a series of portraits depicting him. He also created two bust portraits, one showing Proudhon, and the other his wife.
Seized with other paintings by Courbet at Durand-Ruel in June 1873, it was sold on November 26, 1877, to Jean-Hubert Debrousse, who acquired it for 1,500 francs, when the asking price was 5,000 francs. After Debrousse's death, his collection was auctioned at April 1900. The painting was then bought for 6,150 francs by the city of Paris, and is now exhibited at the Petit Palais.
Petit Palais Proudhon Pierre-Joseph Proudhon Paris