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

Henri Martin (1860 - 1943)
Henri Martin
1860 - 1943
Florian Quistrebert (1976)
Florian Quistrebert
1976
Jean-Baptiste Charpentier I (1728 - 1806)
Jean-Baptiste Charpentier I
1728 - 1806
Mathurin Moreau (1822 - 1912)
Mathurin Moreau
1822 - 1912
Philippe Cognée (1957)
Philippe Cognée
1957
Théobald Chartran (1849 - 1907)
Théobald Chartran
1849 - 1907
Mario Botta (1943)
Mario Botta
1943
Alfred Boucher (1850 - 1934)
Alfred Boucher
1850 - 1934
Louis Joseph Watteau (1731 - 1798)
Louis Joseph Watteau
1731 - 1798
Jean-Louis Hamon (1821 - 1874)
Jean-Louis Hamon
1821 - 1874
Beauford Delaney (1901 - 1979)
Beauford Delaney
1901 - 1979
Israel Aryevich Feinsilberg (1893 - 1942)
Israel Aryevich Feinsilberg
1893 - 1942
Claude Viseux (1927 - 2008)
Claude Viseux
1927 - 2008
Philippe de Gueldre (XV century - XVI century)
Philippe de Gueldre
XV century - XVI century
Boris Ivanovich Pastoukhoff (1894 - 1974)
Boris Ivanovich Pastoukhoff
1894 - 1974
Jean Frédéric Bazille (1841 - 1870)
Jean Frédéric Bazille
1841 - 1870

Creators Realism

Raffaello Romanelli (1856 - 1928)
Raffaello Romanelli
1856 - 1928
Robert Hunter (1715 - 1803)
Robert Hunter
1715 - 1803
Karl Schlesinger (1825 - 1893)
Karl Schlesinger
1825 - 1893
Paul Weimann (1867 - 1945)
Paul Weimann
1867 - 1945
Armand Gautier (1825 - 1894)
Armand Gautier
1825 - 1894
Carl von Steuben (1788 - 1856)
Carl von Steuben
1788 - 1856
Ludwig des Coudres (1820 - 1878)
Ludwig des Coudres
1820 - 1878
Theophile-Alexander Steinlen (1859 - 1923)
Theophile-Alexander Steinlen
1859 - 1923
Constant Troyon (1810 - 1865)
Constant Troyon
1810 - 1865
Leonid Romanovich Sologub (1884 - 1956)
Leonid Romanovich Sologub
1884 - 1956
Alessandro Zezzos (1848 - 1914)
Alessandro Zezzos
1848 - 1914
Ben Shahn (1898 - 1969)
Ben Shahn
1898 - 1969
Joachim Ringelnatz (1883 - 1934)
Joachim Ringelnatz
1883 - 1934
Heinrich Wilhelmi (1816 - 1902)
Heinrich Wilhelmi
1816 - 1902
Otto Gunther-Naumburg (1856 - 1941)
Otto Gunther-Naumburg
1856 - 1941
Auguste Aiguier (1814 - 1865)
Auguste Aiguier
1814 - 1865
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