Groom Mounted on a Carriage-Horse (Cheval de carrosse monte par un palfrenier)

Groom Mounted on a Carriage-Horse (Cheval de carrosse monte par un palfrenier)

Théodore Géricault

1820

ink

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

About this work

This drawing shows a man riding a strong horse sideways, like he’s testing its balance. The horse is mid-step, one front leg lifted, and the rider holds the reins loosely. Behind them, a rough wall and a pile of logs fill the background. The artist focused on movement and energy, making the horse look powerful and alive. This style fits the time when artists emphasized drama and emotion over calm scenes. Next, look up lithography to see how this print was made.

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