Early Life and Education

Jean-Louis André Théodore Géricault, a French painter and lithographer, was born on September 26, 1791, in Rouen, France. He received his early education in the tradition of English sporting art under Carle Vernet and classical figure composition from Pierre-Narcisse Guérin. However, Géricault's impulsive temperament led him to leave the classroom and study at the Louvre from 1810 to 1815, where he copied paintings by Rubens, Titian, Velázquez, and Rembrandt.

Artistic Career

Géricault's first major work, The Charging Chasseur, exhibited at the Paris Salon of 1812, showcased his influence by Rubens' style. This success was followed by a series of small studies on horses and cavalrymen. His subsequent works, such as Wounded Cuirassier (1814), demonstrated a more labored approach.

Notable Works and Legacy

* The Raft of the Medusa (1818-1819): A monumental canvas depicting the aftermath of a French shipwreck, showcasing Géricault's dramatic interpretation of a contemporary tragedy. * The Derby of Epsom (1821): A painting that continually returned to military themes, highlighting Géricault's fascination with drama and expressive force.

Museums and Collections

Géricault's works can be found in various museums, including the Louvre, where he spent formative years studying. To explore his masterpieces, visit Musée Victor Hugo (Paris, France) or browse through WahooArt's collection at [https://WahooArt.com/@@/A@D3AP8P-Discover-the-Masterpieces-of-Musee-Victor-Hugo-(Paris-France)-with-WahooArt](https://WahooArt.com/@@/A@D3AP8P-Discover-the-Masterpieces-of-Musee-Victor-Hugo-(Paris-France)-with-WahooArt).

• View Géricault's paintings, including The Raft of the Medusa, at [https://WahooArt.com/@/Jean-Louis-Andre-Theodore-Gericault](https://WahooArt.com/@/Jean-Louis-Andre-Theodore-Gericault).
• Discover more about Géricault's life and works on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Th%C3%A9odore_G%C3%A9ricault
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Death and Legacy

Géricault died in Paris on January 26, 1824, after a long period of suffering from riding accidents and chronic tubercular infection. His bronze figure reclines, brush in hand, on his tomb at Père Lachaise Cemetery in Paris, above a low-relief panel of The Raft of the Medusa.