The Raft Of The Medusa
Theodore Gericault, The raft of the Medusa
The raft of the Medusa by Theodore Gericault exemplifies political influence showcasing the struggle and crisis happening in France. The political climate of France in the 1820’s was tumultuous causing an eventuality of Gericault’s work of art. His work demonstrated romantic art in its consummation. (Willard WSJ) As a painter he wielded crucial influence on the ontogenesis of Romantic art in France. Géricault was a keen and an avid horse rider whose melodramatic paintings echo his colorful and passionate personality.
EARLY LIFE
Jean-Louis-André-Théodore Géricault was born September 26, 1791in Rouen, France. His infancy simultaneously came about during the rise of Napoleon’s military career. His …show more content…
(Chu 207)The Raft of the Medusa painting was introduced in 1819; his most celebrated work of art. It was his very last art submission to the salon and his greatest. Gericault’s focus was always contemporary subjects, but The Raft of the Medusa was a painting based on real events striking the French. (Chu 207) The composition was originally titled and shown as A Shipwreck Scene in the salon; it gained Gericault a gold medal. The state admired his painting so much they commissioned him for some religious work. The Bourbon Government did not respond with the same keenness to the painting for obvious reasons. Gericault’s decision to paint a modern day real life event was not common due to most being based on battlefields in a gallant scope. Gericault felt the reaction to the painting to be myopic for arguing on the political content instead of its artistic caliber. (Ruth, Lindsay, Luchs, pg. 252)For example, Instead of admiring and analyzing the coloring, lines, and shadowing, the viewers commented on the theme of the painting. The government’s reaction to the Raft of the Medusa left Gericault completely disheartened, so much so he decided to leave
The raft of the Medusa by Theodore Gericault exemplifies political influence showcasing the struggle and crisis happening in France. The political climate of France in the 1820’s was tumultuous causing an eventuality of Gericault’s work of art. His work demonstrated romantic art in its consummation. (Willard WSJ) As a painter he wielded crucial influence on the ontogenesis of Romantic art in France. Géricault was a keen and an avid horse rider whose melodramatic paintings echo his colorful and passionate personality.
EARLY LIFE
Jean-Louis-André-Théodore Géricault was born September 26, 1791in Rouen, France. His infancy simultaneously came about during the rise of Napoleon’s military career. His …show more content…
(Chu 207)The Raft of the Medusa painting was introduced in 1819; his most celebrated work of art. It was his very last art submission to the salon and his greatest. Gericault’s focus was always contemporary subjects, but The Raft of the Medusa was a painting based on real events striking the French. (Chu 207) The composition was originally titled and shown as A Shipwreck Scene in the salon; it gained Gericault a gold medal. The state admired his painting so much they commissioned him for some religious work. The Bourbon Government did not respond with the same keenness to the painting for obvious reasons. Gericault’s decision to paint a modern day real life event was not common due to most being based on battlefields in a gallant scope. Gericault felt the reaction to the painting to be myopic for arguing on the political content instead of its artistic caliber. (Ruth, Lindsay, Luchs, pg. 252)For example, Instead of admiring and analyzing the coloring, lines, and shadowing, the viewers commented on the theme of the painting. The government’s reaction to the Raft of the Medusa left Gericault completely disheartened, so much so he decided to leave