Horses and Riders 1813 - 1814

Théodore Géricault made this drawing of horses and riders with graphite on paper. The visible qualities of the graphite medium, its light gray tone, and the texture it produces on paper, give the drawing a sense of immediacy. The artist uses hatching and cross-hatching to create depth and volume, and the varying pressure of the graphite reveals the artist's hand and the energy of his lines. This quick sketch reveals how Géricault used the possibilities offered by the pencil to observe and analyze the world around him. It’s easy to think about how Géricault filled sketchbooks with countless studies of figures, horses, and landscapes. The material and the process are thus closely linked to the social role of the artist. Drawing was an essential means to capture ideas, explore different compositions, and refine the artist's skills. The simplicity of the materials, the ease of production, and the personal touch in the sketch challenge traditional notions of fine art.