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Horse Devoured by a Lion

Théodore Géricault

1823

From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art

Romanticism Early 19th Century Animal

Dominant colour

Horse Devoured by a Lion is a 1823 by Théodore Géricault, a Romanticism work, held at Cleveland Museum of Art.

Who painted this?: Théodore Géricault
When & what style?: 1823 · Romanticism
Where can I see it?: Cleveland Museum of Art

About this work

This sketch shows a lion attacking a horse. The lion’s front paws are buried in the horse’s neck, and its jaws are open wide. The horse’s legs are tangled, one paw raised in a last kick. Dark rocks loom behind them, and the ground looks rough and uneven. The artist focused on the struggle—every muscle and fur tuft is drawn with sharp lines. The horse’s eye is wide open, almost staring at you. Next, look up chiaroscuro to see how light and shadow create drama.