Cheval des Ardennes 1822

"Cheval des Ardennes" is a lithograph by the celebrated French Romantic artist Théodore Géricault, created in 1822, just two years before his untimely death at age 33. This print, part of his series *Studies of Horses*, captures the powerful physique of the Ardennes breed, a breed of draft horse known for its strength and endurance. The detail in the harness and the figure of the soldier standing in the background suggest Géricault's keen interest in both animal anatomy and the human figure. The print's small size, a mere 6.5 by 8 inches, further reflects Géricault's commitment to meticulous observation and rendering.