LESSON 2

Jean-Louis André Théodore Géricault (1791–1824) was a French painter and lithographer, best known for his dramatic and emotionally charged works, particularly his masterpiece "The Raft of the Medusa." Géricault is considered one of the pioneers of the Romantic movement in French art.

Born in Rouen, France, Géricault studied under various artists before gaining recognition for his talent. He often depicted scenes of intense action, historical events, and human suffering, infusing his works with a sense of passion and urgency.

"The Raft of the Medusa," completed when Géricault was only 27 years old, is perhaps his most famous work. It depicts the aftermath of the wreck of the French naval frigate Méduse, which ran aground off the coast of Senegal in 1816. The painting captures the desperation and chaos of the survivors stranded on a makeshift raft, with some resorting to cannibalism to survive. The painting caused a sensation when it was first exhibited in 1819 due to its powerful depiction of human suffering and its critical commentary on government incompetence and corruption.

Géricault's career was relatively short, as he died at the young age of 32 due to complications from a riding accident. Despite his brief life, his contributions to art have had a lasting impact, influencing generations of artists with his bold and expressive style.