Of all Théodore Géricault's paintings, The Raft of the Medusa (1818) is the most famous; it hangs in the The Louvre, Paris. Close behind come Nymph and Satyr (Jupiter and Antiope) (1820) and The Oath of Brutus after the Death of Lucretia (1815). Among the 183 works by Théodore Géricault in our catalogue, these 100 are the most celebrated, each shown with its date, its museum and its story.
Ranked by our popularity score, which combines the searches, visits and orders for each work. Updated October 2026. Each painting on this page can be ordered as an oil reproduction painted by hand on linen canvas, or as a fine art print, made to the size you choose.
Jean-Louis André Théodore Géricault’s monumental masterpiece is more than just a depiction of a maritime disaster; it's a visceral exploration of human desperation, political scandal, and the sublime power of nature. Completed in 1819, this over-life-size canvas (491 x 716 cm) immortalizes the harrowing aftermath of the 1816 wreck of the French frigate *Méduse*, a tragedy born from incompetence and corruption that shocked France.
The Allure of the Divine Encounter: Géricault’s *Nymph and Satyr* Jean-Louis André Théodore Géricault's *Nymph and Satyr*, painted in 1819, isn’t merely a depiction of a mythological scene; it’s a profound exploration of desire, transgression, and the inherent tension between innocence and primal instinct. Born amidst the tumultuous backdrop of post-revolutionary France, Géricault, already recognized for his dramatic intensity, sought to capture not just a narrative but an emotional truth—a…
The Oath of Brutus after the Death of Lucretia is an oil on canvas by Théodore Géricault. This history painting captures a moment of heavy, political consequence. The artist, Théodore Géricault, rendered the scene with a focus on the weight of human resolve. It emerged from his studio about 1815.
This vigorous painting of six lions in a remote, spectrally illuminated lair—possibly intended to evoke the Atlas Mountains of Morocco—is an extraordinary example of Gericault’s spontaneous handling of paint. Rather than applying finishing touches to make a polished cabinet picture, the artist left the painting in a state known as an esquisse, or sketch, a work prized by fellow artists for its strength of directly capturing a subject or effect.…
Théodore Géricault's "The Kiss," painted in 1816, isn’t merely a depiction of lovers entwined; it’s a visceral embodiment of the burgeoning Romantic movement’s fascination with raw emotion, dramatic intensity, and the sublime. This arresting work, housed within the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum in Madrid, transcends simple representation to become a profound meditation on passion, vulnerability, and the very essence of human connection. Géricault, already a figure known for his unflinching portrayals of…
A Symphony of Suffering: Géricault’s “Wounded Soldiers Retrating from Russia” Jean-Louis André Théodore Géricault's "Wounded Soldiers Retrating from Russia" is not merely a painting; it’s a visceral embodiment of the horrors and human cost of war, rendered with an unprecedented level of realism and emotional intensity for its time. Completed in 1814, this monumental canvas—measuring a commanding 250 x 206 cm—captures a pivotal moment during Napoleon's disastrous invasion of Russia,…
Jean-Louis André Théodore Géricault's "Study of Feet and Hands," painted in 1818, isn’t a grand statement of Romantic drama like his monumental “The Raft of the Medusa.” Instead, it offers a profoundly intimate glimpse into the artist’s meticulous process and a poignant meditation on the human form. This unassuming oil painting—measuring a modest 52 x 64 cm—is far more than just a preparatory sketch; it's a concentrated distillation of Géricault’s…
Jean-Louis André Théodore Géricault's "The Raft of the Medusa," a monumental detail from his 1818 painting, isn’t merely a depiction of shipwreck; it’s a visceral plunge into the depths of human suffering and political indictment. The scene, rendered with a dramatic intensity characteristic of Romanticism, captures the harrowing aftermath of the French frigate *Medusa*'s wreck off the coast of Mauritania in 1816. This disaster, largely attributed to the incompetence and…
Théodore Géricault's "The Wreck," painted in 1821, isn’t merely a seascape; it’s a visceral confrontation with the sublime—a raw depiction of humanity’s vulnerability against the overwhelming force of nature. Born amidst the turbulent currents of post-revolutionary France, Géricault, a figure both lauded and controversial within the burgeoning Romantic movement, channeled his own anxieties and the era's fascination with dramatic events into this monumental canvas. The painting immediately commands attention not…
Jean-Louis André Théodore Géricault's "The Horse Race," painted in 1816, isn’t merely a depiction of a sporting event; it’s a visceral embodiment of Romanticism’s core tenets – passion,…
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Jean-Louis André Théodore Géricault's "Swiss Guard and Wounded Veteran," painted in 1819, is not merely a historical depiction; it’s a profound meditation on duty, sacrifice, and the lingering…
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Théodore Géricault's "Mazeppa," painted in 1823, isn’t merely a depiction of a dramatic legend; it’s a visceral embodiment of Romantic turmoil—a raw exploration of suffering, resilience, and the…
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Jean-Louis André Théodore Géricault's "Two Horses," painted in 1808-1809, isn’t merely a depiction of two magnificent animals; it’s a visceral exploration of movement, power, and the fleeting nature…
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Jean-Louis André Théodore Géricault's "A Turk (Mustapha)," painted in 1820, is not merely a portrait; it’s a carefully constructed tableau of exoticism, melancholy, and the burgeoning Romantic sensibility…
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In the quiet intensity of Jean-Louis André Théodore Géricault’s 1814 masterpiece, "A Carabinier with His Horse," we encounter more than a mere military portrait; we witness a profound…
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A Moment Frozen in Time: Géricault’s “Riderless Horse Races” Jean-Louis André Théodore Géricault's "Riderless Horse Races (detail)" is not merely a depiction of a sporting event; it’s a…
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A Tempestuous Vision: Géricault’s “Boxers” Jean-Louis André Théodore Géricault's "Boxers," completed in 1818, isn’t merely a depiction of a boxing match; it’s a visceral embodiment of Romanticism’s fascination…
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Jean-Louis André Théodore Géricault's "Horse Market: Five Horses at the Stake," painted in 1817, is not merely a depiction of livestock; it’s a visceral embodiment of Parisian life…
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Jean-Louis André Théodore Géricault's "The Epsom Derby," painted in 1821, isn’t merely a depiction of horse racing; it’s a visceral embodiment of Romanticism’s fascination with drama, movement, and…
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Three riders surge through a heavy, shadowed atmosphere, their presence defined by the sudden flash of scarlet and gold. A dappled grey horse occupies the center, its muscular…
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Théodore Géricault captured a private, feverish moment in Three Lovers. This small oil sketch, created about 1817–1820, offers a rare glimpse into the artist's more intimate preoccupations. It…
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A single man emerges from a dark, indistinct background of umber and black. He is positioned slightly off-center, his gaze meeting the viewer with a subtle, knowing expression.…
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In this 1814 oil on canvas, we find ourselves witnessing a singular moment of intense energy. The composition centers on Wincenty Krasiński, a military figure captured in a…
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This dramatic oil study, created in 1814, captures a wounded cavalryman in a moment of intense exhaustion or struggle. The composition is defined by a strong diagonal movement…
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Théodore Géricault's "Lion Devouring a Horse," painted in 1819, isn’t merely a depiction of predatory action; it’s a visceral exploration of power, mortality, and the primal instincts that…
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In the annals of art history, few works command the room with such visceral intensity as Théodore Géricault’s The Raft of the Medusa. This monumental oil on canvas…
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This oil on canvas painting, created in 1819, presents a somber and dramatic scene of suffering within a dimly lit interior. The composition is structured around an arched…
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A young man emerges from a deep, indistinct darkness, his presence felt through the sudden, sharp clarity of light hitting his features. He sits in a quiet, intimate…
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A study for a nude. emerges from the shadows as a powerful presence by Théodore Géricault. Created about 1801, this oil on canvas captures a singular moment of…
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This oil on canvas portrait study presents a close-up, three-quarter view of a Black man's head and shoulders. The subject is positioned slightly off-center, looking toward the viewer…
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The Martyrdom of Saint Peter is an oil on canvas by Théodore Géricault. Created about 1814, the work captures a moment of profound tension. The physical presence of…
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In the annals of French Romanticism, few works command the visceral attention of Théodore Géricault’s The Wreck as profoundly as this haunting seascape. Painted in 1824, a year…
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Mater dolorosa, Copy after Ribera is a religious oil painting by the French artist Théodore Géricault. Created about 1811–1815, the work reflects the artist's engagement with the traditions…
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Jean-Louis André Théodore Géricault’s “Lion in Repose,” painted circa 1820-1823, isn’t merely a depiction of an animal; it’s a profound meditation on power, vulnerability, and the very nature…
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Dating from 1800, Jean-Louis André Théodore Géricault’s “Portrait of a Negro” is more than just a depiction of an individual; it’s a poignant statement born from the turbulent…
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Portrait d'homme is an oil on canvas work attributed to the French Romantic painter Théodore Géricault. While historically categorized under various titles, including a mistaken identification as a…
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Equestrian Portrait of Charles V is an oil on canvas work executed by the French Romantic painter Théodore Géricault. Created in 1814, the piece focuses on the figure…
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In this 1814 oil painting, we find ourselves in the quiet, dim interior of a stable. The focus is entirely on a single chestnut horse, captured in profile…
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In the quiet, monochromatic depths of Théodore Géricault’s 1822 lithograph, Horses of the Auvergne, we are transported to a rugged, mist-shrouded corner of France. This evocative work serves…
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A single light grey horse occupies the center of this oil painting, captured in a rearing pose. The animal's body is angled vertically, its muscular flanks and neck…
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To gaze upon Jean-Louis André Théodore Géricault’s "Sheet of Figure Studies" is not merely to look at painted forms; it is to witness the very act of human…
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Jean-Louis André Théodore Géricault's “Portrait of an Artist in His Studio,” completed in 1820, is more than a simple depiction of a young man seated before his easel;…
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In the annals of French Romanticism, few works capture the raw, unbridled energy of the Napoleonic era as viscerally as Théodore Géricault’s 1812 masterpiece, An Officer of the…
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The oil on canvas known as Study of a nude man emerges from the shadows, a powerful presence that commands the viewer's immediate attention. This work, created by…
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In the quiet, brooding landscapes of nineteenth-century France, few works capture the raw, unvarnished essence of pastoral life as poignantly as Théodore Géricault’s “The Plaster Kiln.” Completed in…
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In the quiet, tension-filled atmosphere of Théodore Géricault’s The Woman with Gambling Mania, we are invited into a private drama that feels as immediate today as it did…
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The four subjects that return most often on these canvases, each with its best-loved example.
The 8 museums that hold the most of the paintings on this page.
| Museum | City | Works by Théodore Géricault | Paintings from this list |
|---|---|---|---|
 The Louvre |
Paris | 20 | The Raft of the Medusa, The Raft of the Medusa (detail), Leda and the Swan |
 Château de Chantilly |
Chantilly | 6 | Mazeppa, Boxers, Lion devouring a horse |
 J. Paul Getty Museum |
Los Angeles | 3 | Three Lovers, Study of a Model, The Race of the Riderless Horses |
 National Museum in Warsaw |
Warsaw | 3 | Equestrian portrait of Wincenty Krasiński., A study for a nude., Study of a nude man |
 Burrell Collection |
Glasgow | 8 | The Trumpeter of the Lancers of the Guard, A Prancing Grey Horse |
 Musée Fabre |
Montpellier | 4 | Study of Feet and Hands, Portrait d'homme |
 Petit Palais |
Paris | 3 | The Scotsman, Italian Landscape with Tomb |
 Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum |
Madrid | 2 | The Kiss, The Horse Race |
Jean-Louis André Théodore Géricault's "Two Horses," painted in 1808-1809, isn’t merely a depiction of two magnificent animals; it’s a visceral exploration of movement, power, and the fleeting nature…
Jean-Louis André Théodore Géricault’s monumental masterpiece is more than just a depiction of a maritime disaster; it's a visceral exploration of human desperation, political scandal, and the sublime…
The Allure of the Divine Encounter: Géricault’s *Nymph and Satyr* Jean-Louis André Théodore Géricault's *Nymph and Satyr*, painted in 1819, isn’t merely a depiction of a mythological scene;…
The Raft of the Medusa (1818), The Louvre, Paris. Nymph and Satyr (Jupiter and Antiope) (1820) and The Oath of Brutus after the Death of Lucretia (1815) follow.
Théodore Géricault, born in 1791, was 27 years old: The Raft of the Medusa dates from 1818.
The Raft of the Medusa, Nymph and Satyr (Jupiter and Antiope), The Oath of Brutus after the Death of Lucretia, Lions in a Mountainous Landscape, The Kiss, Wounded Soldiers Retrating from Russia, Study of Feet and Hands, The Raft of the Medusa (detail), Leda and the Swan and The Wreck. Each canvas in the ranking above comes with its year and its museum.
183 works by Théodore Géricault are in our catalogue, dated 1800 to 1824.
Mostly in The Louvre (Paris), Château de Chantilly (Chantilly) and J. Paul Getty Museum (Los Angeles); the list above names each museum and its canvases.
In 1810s, which gave 67 of the 100 works on this page, The Raft of the Medusa among them.
The earliest canvas here is Portrait of a Negro (1800); the latest is The Wreck (1824).
Man (12), Portrait (9) and Horse (8), across the 100 works on this page.
Oil On Canvas, used in 26 of the 100 works on this page.
Romanticism, as the canvases on this page show.
The The Louvre, Paris holds 14 of the works on this page, among them The Raft of the Medusa, The Raft of the Medusa (detail) and Leda and the Swan.
Yes. Every painting on this page can be ordered from its own page as an oil reproduction painted by hand, or as a fine art print, in the size you choose.
Jean-Louis André Théodore Géricault, a name that resonates with the burgeoning spirit of French Romanticism, was born into a world poised on the brink of dramatic change. Arriving in Rouen, France, in 1791, his early life unfolded amidst the echoes of revolution and the rising tide of Napoleonic ambition. Though inheriting a comfortable existence through his family’s legal and business ventures – including a tobacco enterprise – Géricault's destiny lay not in law or commerce but within the realm of artistic expression. His initial training under Carle Vernet, a master of English sporting art, instilled in him a keen eye for anatomy and movement, particularly evident in his depictions of horses. However, it was his subsequent studies with Pierre-Narcisse Guérin that provided a foundation in classical composition, though Géricault’s restless spirit soon led him to seek knowledge independently within the hallowed halls of the Louvre.
From 1810 to 1815, the Louvre became Géricault's true academy. He immersed himself in the works of the Old Masters – Rubens, Titian, Velázquez, and Rembrandt – not merely copying their techniques but engaging in a profound dialogue with their artistic philosophies. This period was crucial in shaping his distinctive style, characterized by dramatic chiaroscuro, dynamic compositions, and an intense emotionality that set him apart from his contemporaries. He wasn’t simply replicating; he was absorbing the essence of these masters, internalizing their approaches to light, shadow, and human form. This self-directed education fostered a unique artistic voice, one that would soon challenge the prevailing Neoclassical conventions. His early works, like The Charging Chasseur (1812), already hinted at this emerging sensibility, showcasing a boldness of execution and a fascination with movement reminiscent of Rubens’ energetic canvases. He continued to explore equestrian themes, honing his skills in depicting the power and grace of horses – a subject that would remain a recurring motif throughout his career.
Géricault's name is inextricably linked with The Raft of the Medusa (1818-1819), a monumental canvas that transcends mere historical depiction and becomes a searing indictment of human fallibility and societal injustice. Inspired by the harrowing true story of the shipwreck of the French frigate Méduse in 1816, where negligence and incompetence led to unimaginable suffering for its passengers, the painting is a visceral portrayal of desperation, hope, and despair. Géricault undertook meticulous research, interviewing survivors, studying corpses at hospitals, and even constructing a scale model of the raft itself to ensure accuracy. The resulting work is not simply a depiction of tragedy; it’s an immersive experience that confronts viewers with the raw reality of human suffering. The composition, built around two pyramidal structures – one representing despair and death, the other embodying hope and potential rescue – creates a dynamic tension that draws the eye across the canvas. The Raft of the Medusa was controversial upon its exhibition at the Salon of 1819, sparking political debate and solidifying Géricault’s reputation as a daring and unconventional artist. The painting's impact extended beyond the art world, becoming a symbol of governmental incompetence and human resilience in the face of unimaginable hardship.
While The Raft of the Medusa remains his most celebrated achievement, Géricault's artistic output extended beyond this singular masterpiece. He continually returned to military themes, evident in works like Wounded Cuirassier (1814) and The Derby of Epsom (1821), demonstrating a fascination with drama and expressive force. These paintings reveal his continued exploration of human emotion under duress, often focusing on the physical and psychological toll of conflict. He also ventured into portraiture and lithography, further expanding his artistic repertoire. Sadly, Géricault’s life was cut short by illness at the age of 32 in 1824, following years of suffering from riding accidents and a chronic tubercular infection. His premature death robbed the art world of a prodigious talent, but his influence on subsequent generations of artists – particularly Eugène Delacroix – was profound. He is remembered as a pioneer of Romanticism, an artist who dared to confront difficult truths and imbue his work with a powerful emotional resonance that continues to captivate audiences today. His bronze figure reclines, brush in hand, on his tomb at Père Lachaise Cemetery in Paris, above a low-relief panel depicting the harrowing scene from The Raft of the Medusa, a fitting tribute to an artist who dedicated his life to capturing the complexities and contradictions of the human condition.
