Old Horse at the Door of a Tavern 1822

Editor: This is Théodore Géricault's "Old Horse at the Door of a Tavern," a print housed at the Harvard Art Museums. There's a weariness in the horse's posture that really strikes me. What historical context might inform this image? Curator: Géricault was deeply interested in the marginalized, wasn't he? Think about the social implications of representing a tired working animal, especially during the Industrial Revolution. How does this image speak to broader issues of labor and exploitation? Editor: So, the horse becomes a symbol for the working class, perhaps? It makes me wonder about the figures beside it, too. Curator: Exactly. And consider Géricault's own privileged background. Does he critique or simply observe? Exploring this tension, the artist's gaze, is key. Editor: I never thought about it like that. I'll definitely look at Géricault's work in a new light. Curator: Me too. There is always more to unpack when reflecting on the artist's gaze.