A Warrior Holding a Shield and Sword, Seen from the Back 1816 - 1817

Théodore Géricault's "A Warrior Holding a Shield and Sword, Seen from the Back" (1816-1817) is a striking portrayal of a warrior in a moment of triumph. The warrior stands over a fallen enemy, his shield raised high, his sword gripped in his hand. Géricault's dynamic composition, capturing the warrior's strength and the defeated enemy's vulnerability, reflects his fascination with the human figure in motion. The use of brown and blue washes creates a dramatic atmosphere, enhancing the sense of energy and action. This study of a warrior is believed to be a preliminary drawing for Géricault's monumental painting "The Raft of the Medusa".