Who painted Cheval de charrette sorti des limons?

Cheval de charrette sorti des limons was painted by Théodore Géricault in 1822.

Where can I see Cheval de charrette sorti des limons?

Cheval de charrette sorti des limons is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is Cheval de charrette sorti des limons?

Cheval de charrette sorti des limons is associated with Romanticism.

Artwork

Cheval de charrette sorti des limons

Théodore Géricault , 1822

Cheval de charrette sorti des limons is a print by the Romanticist artist Théodore Géricault. It dates from 1822 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

The wagon's canvas cover is a lighter shade than the horse's coat, and it appears to be made of a coarse, woven fabric.

This painting depicts a horse, its white coat mottled with darker spots, standing in front of a large, covered wagon. The horse is harnessed to the wagon, which is positioned at an angle, with its rear end closest to the viewer. The wagon's canvas cover is a lighter shade than the horse's coat, and it appears to be made of a coarse, woven fabric.

In the background, a building with a sloping roof and a doorway can be seen, although it is somewhat indistinct. The overall atmosphere of the painting is one of quiet, rustic simplicity.

The artist who created this work is Théodore Géricault (French, 1791–1824).

Overview

Théodore Géricault’s 1822 print, *Cheval de charrette sorti des limons*, presents a draft horse in the act of being untethered from a wagon. The animal, a white horse marked with darker patches, stands before a large, canvas‑covered cart whose rear is nearest the viewer. A modest building with a sloping roof appears faintly in the background, giving the scene a quiet, rural ambience.

Subject & Meaning

The composition focuses on the moment of transition as the horse is led away from its harness, emphasizing the physicality and labor of rural transport. By isolating the animal against a simple backdrop, Géricault draws attention to the animal’s strength and the everyday toil of agrarian life, reflecting Romantic interest in the dignity of ordinary subjects.

Technique & Style

Executed as a lithographic print, the work showcases Géricault’s precise handling of line and tonal contrast. The horse’s musculature and the texture of the wagon’s coarse canvas are rendered with fine detail, while the background is suggested with softer, less defined strokes, creating depth without detracting from the central figure.

History & Provenance

Created during the early phase of Géricault’s career, the print aligns with his broader engagement with Romantic themes of drama and movement. Though the original plate’s ownership history is not extensively documented, the work remains associated with the artist’s oeuvre from the period shortly before his death in 1824.