Who painted Chevaux d' Auvergne?

Chevaux d' Auvergne was painted by Théodore Géricault in 1822.

Where can I see Chevaux d' Auvergne?

Chevaux d' Auvergne is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is Chevaux d' Auvergne?

Chevaux d' Auvergne is associated with Romanticism.

Artwork

Chevaux d' Auvergne

Théodore Géricault , 1822

Chevaux d' Auvergne 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

Overview

Created in 1822 by the French artist Théodore Géricault, *Chevaux d’Auvergne* is a lithographic print that captures a brief, dynamic study of two horses and their handler in a mountainous setting. The composition presents a rugged path beneath snow‑capped peaks, emphasizing the harsh terrain of the Auvergne region. The work is part of the Cleveland Museum of Art’s collection.

Subject & Meaning

The image focuses on a man in coarse attire guiding a dark horse and a white‑spotted companion along a steep, uneven trail. The calm demeanor of the animals amid the stark landscape suggests a harmonious relationship between humans, livestock, and the demanding environment of central France, reflecting Géricault’s interest in animal life and regional character.

Technique & Style

Executed as a lithograph, the piece exhibits loose, gestural lines and a sketch‑like quality typical of preparatory studies. The rapid handling of ink conveys texture in the rocky ground and the distant mountains, while the contrast between the dark and light horses highlights form without detailed rendering, aligning with early Romantic tendencies toward immediacy and emotional resonance.

History & Provenance

Géricault produced the work during the early phase of his brief but influential career, a period marked by his exploration of Romantic themes. After changing hands through private collections, the print entered the Cleveland Museum of Art, where it remains accessible to the public as an example of the artist’s early lithographic practice.