Теодор Жерико, 1791 – 1824

The 100 Most Famous Paintings by Теодор Жерико

The painting that made Теодор Жерико famous is Балсата на Медуза (1818); it hangs in the Лувър, Пари. Nymph and Satyr (Jupiter and Antiope) (1820) and The Oath of Brutus after the Death of Lucretia (1815) follow it in the hearts of collectors and museum visitors. Of the 183 works by Теодор Жерико in our catalogue, these 100 are the most admired, each presented with its date, its museum and what sets it apart.

Класирани според нашия коефициент за популярност, който съчетава търсенията, посещенията и поръчките за всяко произведение. Обновено Октомври 2026. Every masterpiece on this page can be ordered as a museum-quality, hand-painted oil reproduction or a fine art print, at the size you choose.

Портрет на Теодор Жерико
Теодор Жерико · 1791 – 1824
Роден · починал
1791 – 1824, Руан
Движение
Romantic painting
Работи в нашия каталог
183
Най-известни
Балсата на Медуза (1818)
Най-много творби в
Лувър

Теодор Жерико: the ten masterpieces

Балсата на Медуза (1818) на Теодор Жерико
1

Балсата на Медуза

1818 · Масло върху платно · Лувър, Пари

Монументалният шедьовър на Жан-Луи Андре Теодор Жерико е нещо много повече от просто изображение на морска катастрофа; това е висцерално изследване на човешката отчаяност, политически скандал и величествената сила на природата. Завършено през 1819 г., това платно с огромни размери (491 x 716 см) увековечава ужасяващите последици от разбиването през 1816 г. на френската фрегата Медуза – трагедия, родена от некомпетентност и корупция, която разтърси Франция.

Nymph and Satyr (Jupiter and Antiope) (1820) на Теодор Жерико
2

Nymph and Satyr (Jupiter and Antiope)

1820 · Acrylic On Canvas · Musée des Beaux-Arts et de la Céramique, Рюен

The Allure of the Divine Encounter: Géricault’s *Nymph and Satyr* Jean-Louis André Théodore Géricault's *Nymph and Satyr*, painted in 1819, isn’t merely a depiction of a mythological scene; it’s a profound exploration of desire, transgression, and the inherent tension between innocence and primal instinct. Born amidst the tumultuous backdrop of post-revolutionary France, Géricault, already recognized for his dramatic intensity, sought to capture not just a narrative but an emotional truth—a…

Lions in a Mountainous Landscape (1818) на Теодор Жерико
4

Lions in a Mountainous Landscape

1818 · Acrylic On Canvas · Метрополитън Музей на изкуствата, Ню Йорк

This vigorous painting of six lions in a remote, spectrally illuminated lair—possibly intended to evoke the Atlas Mountains of Morocco—is an extraordinary example of Gericault’s spontaneous handling of paint. Rather than applying finishing touches to make a polished cabinet picture, the artist left the painting in a state known as an esquisse, or sketch, a work prized by fellow artists for its strength of directly capturing a subject or effect.…

The Kiss (1822) на Теодор Жерико
5

The Kiss

1822 · Acrylic On Canvas · Музей Тисен-Борнемица, Мадрид

Théodore Géricault's "The Kiss," painted in 1816, isn’t merely a depiction of lovers entwined; it’s a visceral embodiment of the burgeoning Romantic movement’s fascination with raw emotion, dramatic intensity, and the sublime. This arresting work, housed within the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum in Madrid, transcends simple representation to become a profound meditation on passion, vulnerability, and the very essence of human connection. Géricault, already a figure known for his unflinching portrayals of…

Wounded Soldiers Retrating from Russia (1814) на Теодор Жерико
6

Wounded Soldiers Retrating from Russia

1814 · Acrylic On Canvas · Musée des Beaux-Arts, Румън

A Symphony of Suffering: Géricault’s “Wounded Soldiers Retrating from Russia” Jean-Louis André Théodore Géricault's "Wounded Soldiers Retrating from Russia" is not merely a painting; it’s a visceral embodiment of the horrors and human cost of war, rendered with an unprecedented level of realism and emotional intensity for its time. Completed in 1814, this monumental canvas—measuring a commanding 250 x 206 cm—captures a pivotal moment during Napoleon's disastrous invasion of Russia,…

Study of Feet and Hands (1818) на Теодор Жерико
7

Study of Feet and Hands

1818 · Oil On Canvas · Musée Fabre, Монпелие

Jean-Louis André Théodore Géricault's "Study of Feet and Hands," painted in 1818, isn’t a grand statement of Romantic drama like his monumental “The Raft of the Medusa.” Instead, it offers a profoundly intimate glimpse into the artist’s meticulous process and a poignant meditation on the human form. This unassuming oil painting—measuring a modest 52 x 64 cm—is far more than just a preparatory sketch; it's a concentrated distillation of Géricault’s…

The Raft of the Medusa (detail) (1818) на Теодор Жерико
8

The Raft of the Medusa (detail)

1818 · Oil On Canvas · Лувър, Пари

Jean-Louis André Théodore Géricault's "The Raft of the Medusa," a monumental detail from his 1818 painting, isn’t merely a depiction of shipwreck; it’s a visceral plunge into the depths of human suffering and political indictment. The scene, rendered with a dramatic intensity characteristic of Romanticism, captures the harrowing aftermath of the French frigate *Medusa*'s wreck off the coast of Mauritania in 1816. This disaster, largely attributed to the incompetence and…

The Wreck (1821) на Теодор Жерико
10

The Wreck

1821 · Oil On Canvas · Лувър, Пари

Théodore Géricault's "The Wreck," painted in 1821, isn’t merely a seascape; it’s a visceral confrontation with the sublime—a raw depiction of humanity’s vulnerability against the overwhelming force of nature. Born amidst the turbulent currents of post-revolutionary France, Géricault, a figure both lauded and controversial within the burgeoning Romantic movement, channeled his own anxieties and the era's fascination with dramatic events into this monumental canvas. The painting immediately commands attention not…

More Теодор Жерико masterpieces, 11 to 100

The Horse Race (1816) на Теодор Жерико
#11

The Horse Race

1816 · Музей Тисен-Борнемица

Jean-Louis André Théodore Géricault's "The Horse Race," painted in 1816, isn’t merely a depiction of a sporting event; it’s a visceral embodiment of Romanticism’s core tenets – passion,…

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Swiss Guard and Wounded Veteran (1819) на Теодор Жерико
#12

Swiss Guard and Wounded Veteran

1819 · Лувър

Jean-Louis André Théodore Géricault's "Swiss Guard and Wounded Veteran," painted in 1819, is not merely a historical depiction; it’s a profound meditation on duty, sacrifice, and the lingering…

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Mazeppa (1823) на Теодор Жерико
#13

Mazeppa

1823 · Шатьо де Шантили

Théodore Géricault's "Mazeppa," painted in 1823, isn’t merely a depiction of a dramatic legend; it’s a visceral embodiment of Romantic turmoil—a raw exploration of suffering, resilience, and the…

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Two Horses (1809) на Теодор Жерико
#14

Two Horses

1809 · The Phillips Collection

Jean-Louis André Théodore Géricault's "Two Horses," painted in 1808-1809, isn’t merely a depiction of two magnificent animals; it’s a visceral exploration of movement, power, and the fleeting nature…

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A Turk (Mustapha) (1820) на Теодор Жерико
#15

A Turk (Mustapha)

1820 · Лувър

Jean-Louis André Théodore Géricault's "A Turk (Mustapha)," painted in 1820, is not merely a portrait; it’s a carefully constructed tableau of exoticism, melancholy, and the burgeoning Romantic sensibility…

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A Carabinier with his Horse (1814) на Теодор Жерико
#16

A Carabinier with his Horse

1814 · Musée des Beaux-Arts

In the quiet intensity of Jean-Louis André Théodore Géricault’s 1814 masterpiece, "A Carabinier with His Horse," we encounter more than a mere military portrait; we witness a profound…

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Riderless Horse Races (detail) (1817) на Теодор Жерико
#17

Riderless Horse Races (detail)

1817 · Лувър

A Moment Frozen in Time: Géricault’s “Riderless Horse Races” Jean-Louis André Théodore Géricault's "Riderless Horse Races (detail)" is not merely a depiction of a sporting event; it’s a…

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Boxers (1818) на Теодор Жерико
#18

Boxers

1818 · Шатьо де Шантили

A Tempestuous Vision: Géricault’s “Boxers” Jean-Louis André Théodore Géricault's "Boxers," completed in 1818, isn’t merely a depiction of a boxing match; it’s a visceral embodiment of Romanticism’s fascination…

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The Epsom Derby (1821) на Теодор Жерико
#20

The Epsom Derby

1821 · Лувър

Jean-Louis André Théodore Géricault's "The Epsom Derby," painted in 1821, isn’t merely a depiction of horse racing; it’s a visceral embodiment of Romanticism’s fascination with drama, movement, and…

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Three Lovers (1817) на Теодор Жерико
#22

Three Lovers

1817 · Музей Джейн Пол Гети

Théodore Géricault captured a private, feverish moment in Three Lovers. This small oil sketch, created about 1817–1820, offers a rare glimpse into the artist's more intimate preoccupations. It…

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Lion devouring a horse на Теодор Жерико
#26

Lion devouring a horse

Шатьо де Шантили

Théodore Géricault's "Lion Devouring a Horse," painted in 1819, isn’t merely a depiction of predatory action; it’s a visceral exploration of power, mortality, and the primal instincts that…

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Untitled (ARJCHM) на Теодор Жерико
#28

Untitled (ARJCHM)

Лувър

In the annals of art history, few works command the room with such visceral intensity as Théodore Géricault’s The Raft of the Medusa. This monumental oil on canvas…

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Portrait of a Young Man (1818) на Теодор Жерико
#32

Portrait of a Young Man

1818 · Minneapolis Institute of Art

A young man emerges from a deep, indistinct darkness, his presence felt through the sudden, sharp clarity of light hitting his features. He sits in a quiet, intimate…

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A study for a nude. (1801) на Теодор Жерико
#33

A study for a nude.

1801 · Национален музей във Варшава

A study for a nude. emerges from the shadows as a powerful presence by Théodore Géricault. Created about 1801, this oil on canvas captures a singular moment of…

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Study of a Model (1818) на Теодор Жерико
#34

Study of a Model

1818 · Музей Джейн Пол Гети

This oil on canvas portrait study presents a close-up, three-quarter view of a Black man's head and shoulders. The subject is positioned slightly off-center, looking toward the viewer…

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The Martyrdom of Saint Peter (1814) на Теодор Жерико
#35

The Martyrdom of Saint Peter

1814 · Kunstmuseum Basel

The Martyrdom of Saint Peter is an oil on canvas by Théodore Géricault. Created about 1814, the work captures a moment of profound tension. The physical presence of…

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The Wreck (1824) на Теодор Жерико
#36

The Wreck

1824 · Лувър

In the annals of French Romanticism, few works command the visceral attention of Théodore Géricault’s The Wreck as profoundly as this haunting seascape. Painted in 1824, a year…

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Mater dolorosa, Copy after Ribera (1811) на Теодор Жерико
#38

Mater dolorosa, Copy after Ribera

1811 · Kunstmuseum Basel

Mater dolorosa, Copy after Ribera is a religious oil painting by the French artist Théodore Géricault. Created about 1811–1815, the work reflects the artist's engagement with the traditions…

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Lion in Repose на Теодор Жерико
#39

Lion in Repose

Walters Art Museum

Jean-Louis André Théodore Géricault’s “Lion in Repose,” painted circa 1820-1823, isn’t merely a depiction of an animal; it’s a profound meditation on power, vulnerability, and the very nature…

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Portrait of a Negro (1800) на Теодор Жерико
#71

Portrait of a Negro

1800 · Palácio Nacional da Ajuda

Dating from 1800, Jean-Louis André Théodore Géricault’s “Portrait of a Negro” is more than just a depiction of an individual; it’s a poignant statement born from the turbulent…

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Portrait d'homme (1825) на Теодор Жерико
#73

Portrait d'homme

1825 · Musée Fabre

Portrait d'homme is an oil on canvas work attributed to the French Romantic painter Théodore Géricault. While historically categorized under various titles, including a mistaken identification as a…

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Horses of the Auvergne (1822) на Теодор Жерико
#76

Horses of the Auvergne

1822 · University of Michigan Museum of Art

In the quiet, monochromatic depths of Théodore Géricault’s 1822 lithograph, Horses of the Auvergne, we are transported to a rugged, mist-shrouded corner of France. This evocative work serves…

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A Prancing Grey Horse (1812) на Теодор Жерико
#77

A Prancing Grey Horse

1812 · Burrell Collection

A single light grey horse occupies the center of this oil painting, captured in a rearing pose. The animal's body is angled vertically, its muscular flanks and neck…

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Sheet of Figure Studies (1818) на Теодор Жерико
#78

Sheet of Figure Studies

1818 · Courtauld Gallery

To gaze upon Jean-Louis André Théodore Géricault’s "Sheet of Figure Studies" is not merely to look at painted forms; it is to witness the very act of human…

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Study of a nude man на Теодор Жерико
#81

Study of a nude man

Национален музей във Варшава

The oil on canvas known as Study of a nude man emerges from the shadows, a powerful presence that commands the viewer's immediate attention. This work, created by…

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The Plaster Kiln (1823) на Теодор Жерико
#82

The Plaster Kiln

1823 · Лувър

In the quiet, brooding landscapes of nineteenth-century France, few works capture the raw, unvarnished essence of pastoral life as poignantly as Théodore Géricault’s “The Plaster Kiln.” Completed in…

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Теодор Жерико's paintings by period

The subjects Теодор Жерико painted most

The four subjects that return most often among these masterpieces, with the finest example of each.

Where to see Теодор Жерико's paintings

8 музея, които притежават най-голям брой от картините на тази страница.

Музеи Град Творения на Теодор Жерико Картини от този списък
Лувър, ПариЛувър Пари 20 Балсата на Медуза, The Raft of the Medusa (detail), Leda and the Swan
Шатьо де Шантили, ШантилиШатьо де Шантили Шантили 6 Mazeppa, Boxers, Lion devouring a horse
Музей Джейн Пол Гети, Лос АнджелисМузей Джейн Пол Гети Лос Анджелис 3 Three Lovers, Study of a Model, The Race of the Riderless Horses
Национален музей във Варшава, ВаршаваНационален музей във Варшава Варшава 3 Equestrian portrait of Wincenty Krasiński., A study for a nude., Study of a nude man
Burrell Collection, ГлазгоуBurrell Collection Глазгоу 8 The Trumpeter of the Lancers of the Guard, A Prancing Grey Horse
Musée Fabre, МонпелиеMusée Fabre Монпелие 4 Study of Feet and Hands, Portrait d'homme
Petit Palais, ПарижPetit Palais Париж 3 The Scotsman, Italian Landscape with Tomb
Музей Тисен-Борнемица, МадридМузей Тисен-Борнемица Мадрид 2 The Kiss, The Horse Race

Теодор Жерико, decade by decade: the defining painting of each

  1. 1800s
    Two Horses (1809) на Теодор Жерико
    Rank 14 / 100

    Two Horses

    Възраст 9 – 18 · The Phillips Collection

    Jean-Louis André Théodore Géricault's "Two Horses," painted in 1808-1809, isn’t merely a depiction of two magnificent animals; it’s a visceral exploration of movement, power, and the fleeting nature…

  2. 1810s
    Балсата на Медуза (1818) на Теодор Жерико
    No. 1 of 100

    Балсата на Медуза

    Възраст 19 – 28 · Лувър

    Монументалният шедьовър на Жан-Луи Андре Теодор Жерико е нещо много повече от просто изображение на морска катастрофа; това е висцерално изследване на човешката отчаяност, политически скандал и величествената…

  3. 1820s
    Nymph and Satyr (Jupiter and Antiope) (1820) на Теодор Жерико
    #2 of 100

    Nymph and Satyr (Jupiter and Antiope)

    Възраст 29 – 33 · Musée des Beaux-Arts et de la Céramique

    The Allure of the Divine Encounter: Géricault’s *Nymph and Satyr* Jean-Louis André Théodore Géricault's *Nymph and Satyr*, painted in 1819, isn’t merely a depiction of a mythological scene;…

Теодор Жерико's masterpieces: questions and answers

Which painting is Теодор Жерико best known for?Show the answer

Балсата на Медуза (1818), Лувър, Пари. Next come Nymph and Satyr (Jupiter and Antiope) (1820) and The Oath of Brutus after the Death of Lucretia (1815).

How old was Теодор Жерико when painting Балсата на Медуза?Show the answer

27 years old: Балсата на Медуза dates from 1818 and Теодор Жерико was born in 1791.

What are Теодор Жерико's ten greatest paintings?Show the answer

Балсата на Медуза, Nymph and Satyr (Jupiter and Antiope), The Oath of Brutus after the Death of Lucretia, Lions in a Mountainous Landscape, The Kiss, Wounded Soldiers Retrating from Russia, Study of Feet and Hands, The Raft of the Medusa (detail), Leda and the Swan и The Wreck. The ranking above gives the year and the museum of each.

How many works did Теодор Жерико paint?Show the answer

Our catalogue lists 183 works by Теодор Жерико, dated from 1800 to 1824.

In which museums can I see Теодор Жерико's masterpieces?Show the answer

Most of them are in Лувър (Пари), Шатьо де Шантили (Шантили) и Музей Джейн Пол Гети (Лос Анджелис). The table above lists the museums one by one.

When did Теодор Жерико paint the masterpieces?Show the answer

In 1810s: 67 of the 100 works on this page date from then, among them Балсата на Медуза.

What are the first and last famous paintings of Теодор Жерико?Show the answer

The earliest on this page is Portrait of a Negro (1800), the latest The Wreck (1824).

What were Теодор Жерико's favourite subjects?Show the answer

Man (12), Portrait (9) и Horse (8), among the 100 works on this page.

Which technique did Теодор Жерико favour?Show the answer

Oil On Canvas: 25 of the 100 works on this page.

What art movement is Теодор Жерико part of?Show the answer

Romantic painting, as the paintings on this page show.

Which masterpieces by Теодор Жерико hang at the Лувър?Show the answer

Балсата на Медуза, The Raft of the Medusa (detail) и Leda and the Swan are among the 14 works on this page held by the Лувър, Пари.

Can I own a reproduction of a Теодор Жерико masterpiece?Show the answer

Yes. Every painting on this page can be ordered as a museum-quality, hand-painted oil reproduction or a fine art print, in the size you choose, from the painting's own page.

The life of Теодор Жерико

A Life Forged in Romantic Fire

Jean-Louis André Théodore Géricault, a name that resonates with the burgeoning spirit of French Romanticism, was born into a world poised on the brink of dramatic change. Arriving in Rouen, France, in 1791, his early life unfolded amidst the echoes of revolution and the rising tide of Napoleonic ambition. Though inheriting a comfortable existence through his family’s legal and business ventures – including a tobacco enterprise – Géricault's destiny lay not in law or commerce but within the realm of artistic expression. His initial training under Carle Vernet, a master of English sporting art, instilled in him a keen eye for anatomy and movement, particularly evident in his depictions of horses. However, it was his subsequent studies with Pierre-Narcisse Guérin that provided a foundation in classical composition, though Géricault’s restless spirit soon led him to seek knowledge independently within the hallowed halls of the Louvre.

The Louvre as Academy: A Dialogue with Masters

From 1810 to 1815, the Louvre became Géricault's true academy. He immersed himself in the works of the Old Masters – Rubens, Titian, Velázquez, and Rembrandt – not merely copying their techniques but engaging in a profound dialogue with their artistic philosophies. This period was crucial in shaping his distinctive style, characterized by dramatic chiaroscuro, dynamic compositions, and an intense emotionality that set him apart from his contemporaries. He wasn’t simply replicating; he was absorbing the essence of these masters, internalizing their approaches to light, shadow, and human form. This self-directed education fostered a unique artistic voice, one that would soon challenge the prevailing Neoclassical conventions. His early works, like *The Charging Chasseur* (1812), already hinted at this emerging sensibility, showcasing a boldness of execution and a fascination with movement reminiscent of Rubens’ energetic canvases. He continued to explore equestrian themes, honing his skills in depicting the power and grace of horses – a subject that would remain a recurring motif throughout his career.

The Raft of the Medusa: A Monument to Human Suffering

Géricault's name is inextricably linked with *The Raft of the Medusa* (1818-1819), a monumental canvas that transcends mere historical depiction and becomes a searing indictment of human fallibility and societal injustice. Inspired by the harrowing true story of the shipwreck of the French frigate Méduse in 1816, where negligence and incompetence led to unimaginable suffering for its passengers, the painting is a visceral portrayal of desperation, hope, and despair. Géricault undertook meticulous research – interviewing survivors, studying corpses at hospitals, and even constructing a scale model of the raft itself to ensure accuracy – transforming the event into a profound meditation on human endurance and the consequences of leadership failure. The resulting work is not simply a depiction of tragedy; it’s an immersive experience that confronts viewers with the raw reality of human suffering. The composition, built around two pyramidal structures – one representing despair and death, the other embodying hope and potential rescue – creates a dynamic tension that draws the eye across the canvas. *The Raft of the Medusa* was controversial upon its exhibition at the Salon of 1819, sparking political debate and solidifying Géricault’s reputation as a daring and unconventional artist. The painting's impact extended beyond the art world, becoming a symbol of governmental incompetence and human resilience in the face of unimaginable hardship.

Beyond Tragedy: Military Themes and Artistic Legacy

While *The Raft of the Medusa* remains his most celebrated achievement, Géricault’s artistic output extended beyond this singular masterpiece. He continually returned to military themes, evident in works like *Wounded Cuirassier* (1814) and *The Derby of Epsom* (1821), demonstrating a fascination with drama and expressive force. These paintings reveal his continued exploration of human emotion under duress, often focusing on the physical and psychological toll of conflict. He also ventured into portraiture and lithography, further expanding his artistic repertoire. Sadly, Géricault’s life was cut short by illness at the age of 32 in 1824, following years of suffering from riding accidents and a chronic tubercular infection. His premature death robbed the art world of a prodigious talent, but his influence on subsequent generations of artists – particularly Eugène Delacroix – was profound. He is remembered as a pioneer of Romanticism, an artist who dared to confront difficult truths and imbue his work with a powerful emotional resonance that continues to captivate audiences today. His bronze figure reclines, brush in hand, on his tomb at Père Lachaise Cemetery in Paris, above a low-relief panel depicting the harrowing scene from *The Raft of the Medusa* – a fitting tribute to an artist who dedicated his life to capturing the complexities and contradictions of the human condition.

Key Characteristics & Influences

  • Romanticism: Géricault is considered one of the first French Romantic painters, moving away from Neoclassical ideals towards emotional intensity and dramatic expression.
  • Dramatic Composition: His paintings are known for their dynamic compositions, often utilizing diagonal lines and contrasting light and shadow to create a sense of movement and tension.
  • Realism & Research: Géricault was committed to realism, conducting extensive research – including studying corpses and interviewing survivors – to ensure the accuracy and emotional impact of his work.
  • Influence of Old Masters: He drew inspiration from Baroque masters like Rubens, Titian, and Velázquez, adopting their techniques for dramatic lighting and expressive brushwork.
  • Focus on Human Suffering: His art often depicts scenes of tragedy, despair, and the darker aspects of human experience, reflecting a Romantic fascination with intense emotions.

Всички 183 произведения на Теодор Жерико →