Horses 1821

Théodore Géricault made this undated lithograph called ‘Horses’. It's a powerful image that reflects a transitional moment in French society. Look closely, and you'll see a group of horses and riders against a stark landscape dominated by a monumental structure, perhaps a gate or a ruin. In early 19th century France, the horse was not just an animal, it was a symbol of power, wealth, and aristocratic privilege, but also a crucial part of the military and agriculture. Géricault made this print after the French Revolution, a time when the old social order was being questioned. But Géricault was no naive revolutionary. By portraying these horses, he invites us to consider the changing social and political landscape of France. What will become of the old order? How do institutions of power adapt during upheaval? To fully understand this print, consider what historical resources we can research. Official military records, agricultural reports, and even studbooks might shed light on the role of the horse in French society. By understanding the context, we can appreciate how this image speaks to the politics of its time.