Three lion studies 1812 - 1814

Curator: Here we have Théodore Géricault's "Three Lion Studies," sketched between 1812 and 1814. Editor: Raw power jumps right out, doesn't it? Like, just look at those paws, even in the sketchiness you sense what it’s capable of, very animal, untamed. Curator: Absolutely. What strikes me is how he captures the lion’s gaze – piercing, almost human in its intensity. The layers upon layers of sketchwork, a build up and the light that comes forward – like finding truth! You sense he's searching for more than just an image. Editor: Right, he’s certainly exploring something visceral. I'm curious about his mark-making and the materiality of this drawing: the weight of the line and choice of what looks like graphite on paper seems really important. It shows a way of making, but is also about the conditions in which art and representation happens in its relationship to natural order. It makes you ask, what does this Romantic artist even want from making lions? Curator: He was fascinated by the animal, the beast within us. Romanticism really embraced the darker aspects of human nature, exploring intense emotion... Géricault would have found the lion a perfect symbol. You know, the early 19th century had its own beasts. Think of the Napoleonic wars. Editor: I guess. Still, these aren't the polished, heroic lions of imperial iconography, are they? The sketches reveal a work process more in tune with labor or toil of representation that seems central. We're seeing the raw elements – paper, pencil, the artist's hand – and perhaps a glimmer of social tensions related to producing artwork back then. Curator: Perhaps. Still, they are studies! Moments that can’t and shouldn’t always bare all. All I know is when I stare at that upper lion's face, I feel both intimidated and deeply connected to its spirit. It reminds me that art doesn't always have to shout; sometimes it can whisper. Editor: True, a simple set of materials for this work that reminds you, for some artists, art can be found and can flourish wherever – in a small drawing or the greatest cat.