Man’s Academy, Crossed Arms 

Théodore Géricault made this oil painting, "Man’s Academy, Crossed Arms," at a time when the French Academy of Fine Arts exerted enormous influence over artistic production and taste. The "academy" in the title refers to the practice of drawing from life models, considered essential training for aspiring artists. Here, the artist presents a male nude in a classical pose, arms crossed, standing against a dark, neutral background. But Géricault's image departs from academic convention by depicting a model with an unconventional, perhaps even defiant, stance. The figure's gaze is direct, and his posture suggests a sense of self-possession. Is Géricault challenging the rigid norms of academic art? Does his work reflect the broader social and political changes that followed the French Revolution? To answer these questions, we might consult historical documents, art criticism, and the artist's biography. By considering the social and institutional context, we can better understand this artwork's significance and its role in shaping the history of art.