Studies of a Draught Horse, a Blacksmith and a Young Woman 1813 - 1814

Théodore Géricault's "Studies of a Draught Horse, a Blacksmith and a Young Woman" from 1813-1814 captures the essence of preparatory sketches. The work, now housed in The Art Institute of Chicago, comprises a series of rapid sketches that depict a draught horse, a blacksmith, and a young woman, each rendered with Géricault's characteristic dynamism and attention to detail. These studies, executed in pencil on paper, demonstrate the artist's keen observation of anatomy and movement, showcasing his early development of the expressive style that would later characterize his mature works.