Artwork
Bataille de chevaux dans un enclos
Bataille de chevaux dans un enclos is an oil painting by Théodore Géricault. It is held in the collection of the Foundation E.G. Bührle Collection.
About this work
Overview
Created circa 1850, this oil on canvas by French artist Théodore Géricault portrays a violent encounter among horses confined within a limited space. The work belongs to the collection of the Kunsthaus Zürich and exemplifies Géricault’s engagement with dramatic, emotionally charged subjects typical of early Romantic painting.
Subject & Meaning
The composition captures a chaotic melee: several horses rear, bite, and kick, while indistinct onlookers linger in the background. The confined setting intensifies the sense of struggle, suggesting themes of uncontrolled animal instinct and the precarious balance between order and chaos.
Technique & Style
Executed with a dark, muted palette, the painting relies on strong chiaroscuro to model the figures and heighten spatial depth. Géricault’s brushwork is vigorous and expressive, imparting a kinetic energy that underscores the tension of the scene.
History & Provenance
Attributed to Géricault, a pivotal figure in the Romantic movement best known for works such as *The Raft of the Medusa*, this piece entered the Kunsthaus Zürich’s holdings in the early 20th century, where it remains on view as part of the museum’s 19th‑century European collection.
Context
The work reflects the Romantic fascination with dramatic, often violent moments drawn from nature and human experience. By focusing on animal conflict, Géricault extends his interest in extreme emotional states, aligning the painting with broader 19th‑century explorations of power, fear, and the sublime.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Jean-Louis André Théodore Géricault (French: ; 26 September 1791 – 26 January 1824) was a French painter and lithographer.
