Marie de Medici at Pont-de-Ce 

Théodore Géricault painted "Marie de Medici at Pont-de-Ce" during the early 19th century, a time of political upheaval in France following the French Revolution and the Napoleonic era. This equestrian portrait depicts Marie de Medici, a queen consort of France, in a style reminiscent of the grand, propagandistic portraits commissioned by royalty. Yet, Géricault's approach is far from celebratory. Instead, there is a tension in his portrayal. Marie de Medici rides confidently, but her story is steeped in political intrigue and exile. Géricault was influenced by the shift toward Romanticism and moved away from Neoclassical conventions. Here he captures the psychological complexity of his subjects. The emotional intensity of this painting reflects an era grappling with questions of power, legitimacy, and the legacy of its leaders. It's a reflection on the burdens and performances of leadership.