Study of Deer Chased by Dogs, Doe’s Head c. early 19th century

Théodore Géricault made this sketch of deer chased by dogs with graphite on paper in France during the early 19th century. The sketch captures the drama of a hunt, an activity closely tied to social class and power. Hunting was a pastime of the aristocracy, steeped in tradition and symbolism. The image of the deer, a symbol of nobility and grace, being pursued by dogs, speaks to themes of dominance and vulnerability, central to the hierarchical society of post-revolutionary France. Géricault's focus on the animals and their dynamic poses, rather than the hunters themselves, is notable. Was Géricault consciously commenting on the social structures of his time, perhaps critiquing the aristocratic values associated with the hunt? This is a question that art historians continue to explore, using sources such as period writings on hunting practices and the social commentary of the time. The meaning of art is contingent on its social and institutional context.