Jean-Louis-André-Théodore Géricault (1791 - 1824)

Jean-Louis-André-Théodore Géricault (1791 - 1824) - photo 1

Jean-Louis-André-Théodore Géricault

Jean-Louis André Théodore Géricault was a French painter and lithographer, celebrated for his pivotal role in the Romantic movement. Born in Rouen, France, in 1791, and educated among the elite in Paris, Géricault developed a profound connection with art from a young age, influenced by his training under notable figures like Carle Vernet and Pierre-Narcisse Guérin. This foundation set him on a path that diverged significantly from the classical traditions of his time.

Géricault's artistry is best known for its vibrant energy and emotional intensity, characteristics that marked a departure from the Neoclassical style predominant in the early 19th century. His most famous work, "The Raft of the Medusa" (1818–19), is a monumental canvas that dramatizes the tragic aftermath of the French shipwreck, Méduse, capturing the public and critical imagination for its raw portrayal of human despair and resilience. This painting not only criticized the French government but also showcased Géricault's masterful handling of drama, becoming an iconic symbol of Romanticism.

Throughout his career, Géricault remained deeply engaged with contemporary issues and the human condition, exploring themes of mental illness, social injustice, and the raw power of nature versus human vulnerability. His series of portraits depicting patients with mental illnesses, created towards the end of his life, highlighted his empathy and innovative approach to capturing human emotion and psychological depth​.

Géricault's fascination with the dynamic forms and emotional potential of horses also led to some of the most stirring equestrian art of his time, reflecting his personal passion for horseback riding and his exceptional understanding of equine anatomy. This interest is evident in works like "A Horse Frightened by Lightning", showcasing his ability to capture motion and emotion in both human and animal forms​​.

Despite his premature death at the age of 32, Géricault's legacy endures, with his works residing in prestigious institutions like the Louvre in Paris. His artistic vision and dedication to portraying the realities and turbulences of his era have cemented his status as a pioneer of Romanticism, influencing subsequent generations of artists, including his contemporary and friend, Eugène Delacroix.

For collectors and experts in art and antiques, Géricault's oeuvre offers a profound insight into the Romantic spirit, embodying the tumult, passion, and innovation of an era on the cusp of modernity. His works continue to inspire and captivate audiences, reminding us of the power of art to provoke thought and evoke deep emotional responses.

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Date and place of birt:26 september 1791, Rouen, France
Date and place of death:26 january 1824, Paris, France
Nationality:France
Period of activity: XIX century
Specialization:Artist, Draftsman, Painter, Sculptor
Genre:Animalistic, History painting, Portrait
Art style:Realism, Romanticism

Creators France

Félicien Rops (1833 - 1898)
Félicien Rops
1833 - 1898
Constantin Kluge (1912 - 2003)
Constantin Kluge
1912 - 2003
Georges Pogedaieff (1894 - 1971)
Georges Pogedaieff
1894 - 1971
Pierre Jeanneret (1896 - 1967)
Pierre Jeanneret
1896 - 1967
François-Louis Lanfant de Metz (1814 - 1892)
François-Louis Lanfant de Metz
1814 - 1892
Jean-Henri Riesener (1734 - 1806)
Jean-Henri Riesener
1734 - 1806
Georges Rouget (1783 - 1869)
Georges Rouget
1783 - 1869
Esther (Esmet) Rahim (1904 - 1963)
Esther (Esmet) Rahim
1904 - 1963
Jean Petito (1607 - 1691)
Jean Petito
1607 - 1691
Franz Xaver Winterhalter (1805 - 1873)
Franz Xaver Winterhalter
1805 - 1873
Sonia Lewitska (1880 - 1937)
Sonia Lewitska
1880 - 1937
Charles-Nicolas Cochin I (1688 - 1754)
Charles-Nicolas Cochin I
1688 - 1754
Vladimir Veličković (1935 - 2019)
Vladimir Veličković
1935 - 2019
Jean-Claude Novaro (1943 - 2014)
Jean-Claude Novaro
1943 - 2014
Martial Raysse (1936)
Martial Raysse
1936
Anna Beothy-Steiner (1902 - 1985)
Anna Beothy-Steiner
1902 - 1985

Creators Realism

Gregorio Prestopino (1907 - 1984)
Gregorio Prestopino
1907 - 1984
Edmond van Coppenolle (1846 - 1915)
Edmond van Coppenolle
1846 - 1915
Jose Moreno Carbonero (1860 - 1942)
Jose Moreno Carbonero
1860 - 1942
Peder Möller (XIX century - ?)
Peder Möller
XIX century - ?
Heinrich Franz Gaudenz von Rustige (1810 - 1900)
Heinrich Franz Gaudenz von Rustige
1810 - 1900
Richard Godfrey Rivers (1858 - 1925)
Richard Godfrey Rivers
1858 - 1925
Vadim Alexeyevich Gorbatov (1940)
Vadim Alexeyevich Gorbatov
1940
Salomon Corrodi (1810 - 1892)
Salomon Corrodi
1810 - 1892
Mikhas Sevruk (1905 - 1979)
Mikhas Sevruk
1905 - 1979
Carlo Perindani (1899 - 1986)
Carlo Perindani
1899 - 1986
Anthonis Mor (1519 - 1576)
Anthonis Mor
1519 - 1576
Franz Schreyer (1858 - 1936)
Franz Schreyer
1858 - 1936
Ernst Moritz Geyger (1861 - 1941)
Ernst Moritz Geyger
1861 - 1941
August von Rentzell (1810 - 1891)
August von Rentzell
1810 - 1891
Josta Stapper (1941)
Josta Stapper
1941
William Logsdail (1859 - 1944)
William Logsdail
1859 - 1944
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