Horses of the Auvergne 1822

Editor: Géricault's "Horses of the Auvergne," created around 1822, is a delicate pencil drawing. It depicts a man and two horses in a mountainous landscape. It has a somewhat subdued and humble tone given its muted pencil aesthetic. What can you tell us about this piece? Curator: This work resonates within the rise of Romanticism, a cultural movement that placed high value on individualism and the experience of nature. Géricault, known for monumental history paintings, turns here to a seemingly simpler subject, however, the ‘humble’ scene touches upon complex ideas about rural life in 19th-century France. The rise of Romanticism paralleled increased interest in representing peasants, often depicted heroically, challenging urban bourgeois norms. Editor: That's interesting. So it's not just a simple depiction of horses and a man, but is also reflective of contemporary ideals? Curator: Precisely. This print enters a broader conversation regarding art's role in representing social classes and national identity during the Bourbon Restoration. Moreover, prints and drawings played an important role in creating distribution of images and cultural values at this time. Think of how this image would circulate compared to a painting! What could prints accomplish at this time? Editor: So a print like this made the idea of romanticizing the natural life and simple folk far more widespread... I hadn't considered the format contributing to its cultural impact. Curator: Absolutely, it highlights the way the piece participated in shaping a narrative of French identity through readily accessible imagery. Editor: I’ve certainly gained a new perspective on "Horses of the Auvergne" and the cultural moment that shaped its importance. Thank you!