Sketch of a Horse 1817

Here is a pencil drawing of a horse, or perhaps a donkey, by Théodore Géricault, who lived from 1791 to 1824. Géricault was deeply affected by the societal unrest and aftermath of the French Revolution and Napoleonic eras. In this context, his sketches of horses offer a glimpse into the relationship between humans and animals. The subdued and humble depiction of the animal could reflect a broader commentary on labor, class, and the socio-economic structures of the time. Is Géricault suggesting the nobility of labor, or is he commenting on the burdens placed on the working class? The drawing is unfinished, lending it a sense of vulnerability and immediacy. The horse bears its saddle, ready for work. The sketch invites us to contemplate the physical and emotional life of working animals and to think about the social hierarchies that define their existence.