Baroque: Theodore Géricault
Theodore Géricault (1791 - 1824) was a talented Baroque artist who found interest in the complexity and movement of the horse. His fascination of the creatures is shown through his expressive paintings and sketches of horses.
"Study of a Dapple Grey" 1812, Musée des Beaux-Arts, Rouen, France
In "Study of a Dapple Grey" Géricault uses chiaroscuro to illuminate the horse against a darker background, making the pale coat shine and stand out. The lighting also emphasizes the creature's muscles and curves to the body, dramatizing the picture as well as giving it a three-dimensional effect. Musée des Beaux-Arts, Rouen, France |
"With the brush we merely tint, while the imagination alone produces color."
- Theodore Géricault "The Epsom Derby" 1821, Louvre, Paris, France
The horses are all painted in the suspension pace, where all four feet are off the ground. This interesting aspect, along with the great hovering sky, makes it seem as if the riders and mounts are flying. "Horse Attacked by a Lion" about 1820, Louvre, Paris, France
kdlabj Musée du Louvre, Paris, Francedsfa "Napoleon's Stallion, Tamerian" about 1810, Musée des Beaux-Arts, Rouen, France
|