Théodore Géricault

As an avid horseman, Théodore Géricault developed a remarkable ability for capturing animal movement in his works, and his early paintings are said to have reflected his fiery and passionate personality. His more mature works included deeper and darker themes, seen in ‘The Raft of Medusa’, which with its combination of controversial subject matter and veracity brought him widespread acclaim. Sadly, after a prolonged illness due to a riding accident, Géricault died at the young age of 33. Many years after his death, his more thought-provoking portraits of the insane were discovered. Through these, and earlier works, Géricault left a last impression, and became a crucial influence on the development of Romantic art in 19th century France.