A French Farrier 1821

Théodore Géricault's lithograph, "A French Farrier," depicts a scene of daily life in 19th-century France, where a farrier is shown shoeing a horse. The work, created in 1821, showcases Géricault's masterful use of light and shadow to create a sense of depth and realism. It is notable for its close-up perspective, which allows the viewer to feel close to the action and appreciate the fine details of the horse's anatomy and the farrier's tools. The image is a testament to Géricault's interest in capturing the lives of ordinary people and the realities of manual labor. This print, now in the collection of the Minneapolis Institute of Art, exemplifies Géricault's legacy as a pioneer of Romantic art and his profound ability to evoke emotions through his realistic and evocative depictions of everyday scenes.