Standing Fermale Nude Gustave Courbet (1819-1877)

The image is a black and white sketch of a standing female nude. The figure is positioned with her left arm raised behind her head, and her right hand touching her face or mouth, giving her a pensive or introspective air. She is leaning slightly on a prop, possibly a stool or drape, on her right side.
The sketch is rendered with charcoal or a similar medium, with varying degrees of shading to define the form and musculature of the body. The quality of the drawing suggests it is a study, likely from life, focusing on anatomical accuracy and the play of light and shadow on the human form.
In the bottom right corner, there is some handwritten text and a date: Mon Vieux. Crest uni par a respect, sa schola breva. Il moi sulti. Gustave C. 28 Avril 49. This inscription likely provides context for the artwork, perhaps a dedication or a note from the artist. The date 28 Avril 49 indicates it was created in 1949.
The subdued lighting and the contemplative pose of the figure contribute to a sense of quietude and realism. The sketch captures the volume and weight of the body, with a focus on naturalistic representation rather than idealization. The subtext could relate to the artists study of the human form, the intimacy of direct observation, or a personal message conveyed through the inscription. The gesture of the hand to the face might suggest thought, doubt, or perhaps a moment of self-reflection.