Jean-Louis-André-Théodore Géricault (1791–1824)
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—Géricault. This work shows Géricault 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 Géricault was stricken with the disease that claimed his life in 1824. In a lithograph made by Vernet in 1823, Géricault wears the same scarf on his head.
Artwork Details
- Title: Jean-Louis-André-Théodore Géricault (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
Related Content
Timeline of Art History
Entries and chronologies from The Met's art encyclopedia.
Publications
Books, guides, and catalogues published by The Met.
Free to download
Research Resources
The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.
To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.
Feedback
We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please contact us using the form below. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.
Content Notice
The Metropolitan Museum of Art presents over 5,000 years of art from around the world, and our online collection reflects ongoing work conducted over the course of our more than 150-year history. You may encounter objects or images that may be inappropriate for some viewers or information that may be outdated.