Artwork
Théodore Géricault
Théodore Géricault is a print by the Romanticist artist Achille Devéria. It dates from 1824 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
About this work
This sketch shows a man’s head tilted slightly, his dark hair pulled back under a loose scarf.
This sketch shows a man’s head tilted slightly, his dark hair pulled back under a loose scarf. His beard is neatly trimmed, and his gaze is calm but focused. The lines are soft and sketchy, with quick strokes for the collar and hair.
The writing below says this is a portrait of Théodore Géricault, drawn in 1824. The artist signed it "par Devéria," meaning Achille Devéria made this sketch.
Next, look up Romanticism to see how this style shaped portraits of the time.
Overview
Achille Devéria's 1824 portrait of Théodore Géricault is a sketch held in The Cleveland Museum of Art's collection, capturing the subject with a characteristic blend of subtlety and expressiveness.
Subject & Meaning
The portrait depicts Théodore Géricault, a prominent figure in the Romantic movement, with a calm yet intense gaze, neatly trimmed beard, and hair pulled back under a loose scarf, conveying a sense of understated intensity.
Technique & Style
Executed with soft, sketchy lines and quick, expressive strokes, particularly in the rendering of the collar and hair, the work exemplifies the spontaneous and emotive qualities associated with Romantic-era portraiture.
History & Provenance
Created in 1824 and signed 'par Devéria', the sketch is attributed to Achille Devéria, with its current location being The Cleveland Museum of Art.
Context
This portrait reflects the influence of Romanticism on contemporary portraiture, emphasizing individual character and emotional depth over formal precision.
Artist & collection
Artist
Achille Jacques-Jean-Marie Devéria (6 February 1800 – 23 December 1857) was a French painter and lithographer known for his portraits of famous writers and artists.
