Who painted Postman or Two Harnessed Horses?

Postman or Two Harnessed Horses was painted by Théodore Géricault in 1823.

Where can I see Postman or Two Harnessed Horses?

Postman or Two Harnessed Horses is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is Postman or Two Harnessed Horses?

Postman or Two Harnessed Horses is associated with Romanticism.

Can I buy a print of Postman or Two Harnessed Horses?

Museum-quality prints of Postman or Two Harnessed Horses are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Postman or Two Harnessed Horses

Théodore Géricault , 1823

Postman or Two Harnessed Horses is a print by the Romanticist artist Théodore Géricault. It dates from 1823 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

Accession no.: 2009.536
Credit line: Gift of John Bonebrake

About this work

Overview

Created in 1823 by French Romantic artist Théodore Géricault, Postman or Two Harnessed Horses is a lithograph depicting a postman with two harnessed horses, showcasing the artist's penchant for dynamic, contemporary subjects.

Subject & Meaning

The artwork focuses on a postman riding one horse while leading a second, set against a rugged landscape. The subject highlights Géricault's interest in everyday, active scenes, imbued with a sense of solemnity through the postman's attire and posture.

Technique & Style

Executed in a style characteristic of quick sketches capturing movement, the piece emphasizes the muscularity of the horses and the postman's serious demeanor, reflecting Géricault's ability to convey emotional intensity through composition and detail.

History & Provenance

While specific provenance details are not provided, the work is dated to 1823, a period of Géricault's active contribution to the Romantic movement in France.

Context

Postman or Two Harnessed Horses aligns with the broader Romantic art trend, emphasizing dramatic and emotionally charged depictions of life, in this case, a mundane yet dynamically rendered occupational scene.