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Jean-Louis-André-Théodore Gericault (1791–1824)

probably 1822 or 1823
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 809
In the early 1820s, Parisian critics were hard pressed to decide which young painter held greater promise, Vernet or his close friend—and friendly rival—Gericault. This work shows Gericault as a Romantic artist, a type that had recently come into being based on Lord Byron's example. He is depicted deep in thought and possibly suffering physically as well. It was probably painted when Gericault was stricken with the disease that claimed his life in 1824. In a lithograph made by Vernet in 1823, Gericault wears the same scarf on his head.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Jean-Louis-André-Théodore Gericault (1791–1824)
  • Artist: Horace Vernet (French, Paris 1789–1863 Paris)
  • Date: probably 1822 or 1823
  • Medium: Oil on canvas
  • Dimensions: 18 5/8 x 15 1/8 in. (47.3 x 38.4 cm)
  • Classification: Paintings
  • Credit Line: Purchase, Gift of Joanne Toor Cummings, by exchange, 1998
  • Object Number: 1998.84
  • Curatorial Department: European Paintings

More Artwork

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Alceste, Horace Vernet French, Engraving
Alceste
Horace Vernet
Prevost
ca. 1840
Monsieur Jourdain, Horace Vernet French, Engraving
Monsieur Jourdain
Horace Vernet
ca. 1840
Costume Parisien
Multiple artists/makers
1799–1831
Shipwrecked Victim Thrown onto the Shore of Pourville, Horace Vernet French, Lithograph; only state
Shipwrecked Victim Thrown onto the Shore of Pourville
Horace Vernet
1822
Death of Margaret of Burgundy Strangled in Prison, Horace Vernet French, Lithograph; only state
Death of Margaret of Burgundy Strangled in Prison
Horace Vernet
1820

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