Study of a Lion 

Théodore Géricault’s "Study of a Lion" is an oil painting, made with a technique rooted in centuries of European tradition. But don't be fooled by the apparent conventionality of the medium. Look closely, and you’ll see that the material is crucial to understanding this artwork. Oil paint, made from ground pigments suspended in oil, allowed Géricault to build up layers of color, creating a sense of depth and volume in the lion's muscular form. The thick, almost sculptural application of paint gives the animal a palpable presence, as if it might leap off the canvas. The choice of oil paint also speaks to the social context of artistic production in the 19th century, when the rise of industrial capitalism led to the mass production of art supplies, making them more accessible to artists like Géricault. This allowed for a greater experimentation with materials and techniques, blurring the lines between fine art and craft. Géricault masterfully engaged with his material to evoke both beauty and the raw power of nature.