The'odore Gericault

The'odore Ge'ricault

"The Raft of The Medusa"

Oil on canvas

16' 1 x 23' 6"

1818-1819

Biography:

Jean-Louis Andre' The'odore Ge'ricault was born September 26, 1791. He was very prominent French artist, painter and lithographer. He was involved with the "Romantic Movement." He studied the anatomy and action of horses. He was very intrigued by "Michelangelo" from his trip to Rome. One of his more popular pieces still today is, "The Raft Of The Medusa." He also was inspired to paint Ten portraits of the, "Insane." He didn't just focus on living subjects but also a lot of the dead. Death welcomed him into it's grasp at a very young age though, at only age 32, on January 26, 1824. He also died of health issues, Tuberculosis infections left him suffering for a long period of time. 

Artist's Statement:

"The Raft of The Medusa," has been described as such, "This depiction of a historical event, the artist abandoned the idealism of Neoclassicism and instead invoked the theatricality of Romanticism."

(Fred S, Kleiner, 2010, P.621)

Background Information:

This is not just a simple painting, it was depicting a moment in history. The tragedy occurred in 1816 off the "African Coast." It took him Eight months to finish because of the time he spent making sure the audience would eb able to see the inexplicable horror and pure chaos these people experienced. He visited many morgues and even spoke to a few of the survivors so he could really depict this moment correctly and most realistic to the actual history of the tragedy. 

Connection:

I choose this piece because it really spoke to me when I saw it, It drew me in. This is the purest example of hopelessness, despair, destruction, death, and the small amount of strength those people could muster up. The dark shadows, the withered, beaten bodies, all represent hurt and death. Many bodes are sliding off the raft into that cold freezing water and their is nothing they can do but wait for help. I find this piece so believable and a true example of suffering, and great despair that led to death.