Eleven Compositional Sketches 1813 - 1814

"Eleven Compositional Sketches" (1813-1814) by Théodore Géricault is a collection of eleven preliminary sketches for his iconic painting "The Raft of the Medusa". These sketches, done in pencil, depict various groupings of figures and scenes that Géricault explored for his final composition. The dynamic poses and expressive gestures of the figures hint at the dramatic scene of the shipwreck survivors, which Géricault masterfully portrayed in his monumental canvas. These sketches offer a glimpse into the artist’s creative process and his meticulous attention to detail, showcasing his skill in capturing human emotion and movement.