Study for The Raft of the Medusa 1819

Théodore Géricault's "Study for The Raft of the Medusa" (1819) is a preparatory sketch for his renowned masterpiece. It depicts the harrowing scene of survivors clinging to the raft of the wrecked French frigate Medusa, their desperation and suffering vividly portrayed. Géricault, known for his Romantic style, employed dramatic brushstrokes and a heightened sense of realism to capture the raw emotions of the tragedy. The study, while smaller in scale than the final work, provides a glimpse into the artist's meticulous planning and the powerful impact he intended to achieve.