Sketches of a Cavalry Battle and Studies of a Draught Horse 1813 - 1814

Théodore Géricault made this drawing, Sketches of a Cavalry Battle and Studies of a Draught Horse, using graphite and brown wash on paper. Born in Rouen, France, Géricault was a Romantic painter, known for his dramatic compositions and interest in human emotion. This drawing showcases his preoccupation with military subjects, reflecting the turbulent times following the French Revolution and the Napoleonic era. Here we see Géricault’s focus on masculinity and power, but the chaotic scenes also hint at the human cost of conflict. The studies of horses are particularly striking, capturing the animal's strength and vitality. Géricault’s skillful rendering of movement adds to the emotional intensity of the scenes, conveying both the glory and the brutality of war. Through this work, Géricault invites us to reflect on the complexities of war and its impact on the human psyche.