Sketches of a Horse 1813 - 1814

Théodore Géricault made this drawing, "Sketches of a Horse," with graphite on paper, which is now held at the Art Institute of Chicago. The sheet presents a fascinating study in form and movement through its collection of horse sketches. The composition is informally arranged, giving us different perspectives and anatomical studies of horses, focusing particularly on the legs and heads. Géricault's choice to fragment and repeat the animal emphasizes an interest in deconstructing the form to understand its essence. The soft graphite lines create a sense of depth and volume, capturing the muscular structure beneath the skin. This approach mirrors a broader artistic and philosophical concern of the period—to break down established notions of representation and explore the underlying structure of the subject. His work isn't just about depicting a horse, it's about understanding how the interplay of lines and shapes can convey movement, anatomy, and even emotion. These sketches reveal a structural exploration, paving the way for future interpretations.