Artwork

Cheval de la plaine de Caen

Cheval de la plaine de Caen, by Théodore Géricault, ink, 1822
Cheval de la plaine de Caen, by Théodore Géricault, ink, 1822

Cheval de la plaine de Caen is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Théodore Géricault. It dates from 1822 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Cheval de la plaine de Caen is a lithograph on wove paper created by Théodore Géricault in 1822. It is a representative work of the artist, a French painter and lithographer associated with the Romantic movement.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a dark horse standing in a dimly lit space, covered with a striped blanket. The simple composition and calm stance of the horse emphasize its anatomy and physical presence.

Technique & Style

Géricault employed a sketchy style to convey the horse's muscular structure and power. The lithographic technique allowed for expressive and spontaneous rendering of the subject.

Context

This work reflects Géricault's interest in animal subjects, particularly equine anatomy and movement, which he explored alongside his historical compositions.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Théodore Géricault

Artist

Théodore Géricault

Jean-Louis André Théodore Géricault (French: ; 26 September 1791 – 26 January 1824) was a French painter and lithographer.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.