Artwork
The Coal Wagon
The Coal Wagon is a print by the Romanticist artist Théodore Géricault. It dates from 1821 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
- Accession no.
- 1983.237
- Credit line
- Gift of The Print Club of Cleveland
About this work
Look up Théodore Géricault (French, 1791–1824) to see more of his rough, bold style.
This painting shows a coal wagon half-full, with a dark horse pulling it. A man walks beside the wagon, holding a long pole. The scene feels heavy and real in the dim light.
Géricault often painted animals and daily life, not just big history scenes. He liked showing the tough side of work. This sketchy look was new for him.
Look up Théodore Géricault (French, 1791–1824) to see more of his rough, bold style.
Overview
The Coal Wagon is a print created by Théodore Géricault in 1821. It is a representative work of the French artist, known for his contributions to the Romantic movement.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts a coal wagon being pulled by a dark horse, accompanied by a man holding a pole. The scene conveys a sense of heaviness and realism, capturing the grittiness of everyday labor.
Technique & Style
Géricault's rendering of the scene is characterized by heightened realism and expressive detail. The work showcases a sketchy, rough style, marking a departure from his earlier, more polished approach.
Context
Géricault's oeuvre often focused on animals and everyday life, rather than grand historical subjects. His work frequently highlighted the tougher aspects of labor and daily existence.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Jean-Louis André Théodore Géricault (French:; 26 September 1791 – 26 January 1824) was a French painter and lithographer.
