Théodore Géricault, 1791 – 1824

The 100 Most Famous Paintings by Théodore Géricault

The painting that made Théodore Géricault famous is Raftet av Medusa (1818); it hangs in the Louvre, Paris. 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 Théodore Géricault in our catalogue, these 100 are the most admired, each presented with its date, its museum and what sets it apart.

Ranked by our popularity score, which combines the searches, visits and orders for each work. Updated October 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.

Portrait of Théodore Géricault
Théodore Géricault · 1791 – 1824
Born · died
1791 – 1824, Rouen
Movement
Romantic painting
Works in our catalogue
183
Most famous
Raftet av Medusa (1818)
Most works at
Louvre

Théodore Géricault: the ten masterpieces

Raftet av Medusa (1818) by Théodore Géricault
1

Raftet av Medusa

1818 · Olje på lerret · Louvre, Paris

Jean-Louis André Théodore Géricaults monumentale mesterverk er mer enn bare en skildring av en maritim katastrofe; det er en instinktiv utforskning av menneskelig desperasjon, politisk skandale og naturens sublime kraft. Dette overnaturlige store lerretet (491 x 716 cm), fullført i 1819, foreviger de hjerteskjærende ettervirkningene av forliset til den franske fregatten Méduse i 1816 – en tragedie født ut av inkompetanse og korrupsjon som rystet hele Frankrike.

Nymph and Satyr (Jupiter and Antiope) (1820) by Théodore Géricault
2

Nymph and Satyr (Jupiter and Antiope)

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

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) by Théodore Géricault
4

Lions in a Mountainous Landscape

1818 · Acrylic On Canvas · Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York

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) by Théodore Géricault
5

The Kiss

1822 · Acrylic On Canvas · Thyssen-Bornemisza-museet, Madrid

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) by Théodore Géricault
6

Wounded Soldiers Retrating from Russia

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

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) by Théodore Géricault
7

Study of Feet and Hands

1818 · Oil On Canvas · Musée Fabre, Montpellier

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) by Théodore Géricault
8

The Raft of the Medusa (detail)

1818 · Oil On Canvas · Louvre, Paris

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) by Théodore Géricault
10

The Wreck

1821 · Oil On Canvas · Louvre, Paris

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 Théodore Géricault masterpieces, 11 to 100

The Horse Race (1816) by Théodore Géricault
#11

The Horse Race

1816 · Thyssen-Bornemisza-museet

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) by Théodore Géricault
#12

Swiss Guard and Wounded Veteran

1819 · Louvre

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) by Théodore Géricault
#13

Mazeppa

1823 · Château de Chantilly

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) by Théodore Géricault
#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) by Théodore Géricault
#15

A Turk (Mustapha)

1820 · Louvre

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) by Théodore Géricault
#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) by Théodore Géricault
#17

Riderless Horse Races (detail)

1817 · Louvre

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) by Théodore Géricault
#18

Boxers

1818 · Château de Chantilly

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) by Théodore Géricault
#20

The Epsom Derby

1821 · Louvre

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) by Théodore Géricault
#22

Three Lovers

1817 · J. Paul Getty Museum

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 by Théodore Géricault
#26

Lion devouring a horse

Château de Chantilly

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) by Théodore Géricault
#28

Untitled (ARJCHM)

Louvre

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) by Théodore Géricault
#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) by Théodore Géricault
#33

A study for a nude.

1801 · Nasjonalmuseet i Warszawa

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) by Théodore Géricault
#34

Study of a Model

1818 · J. Paul Getty Museum

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) by Théodore Géricault
#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) by Théodore Géricault
#36

The Wreck

1824 · Louvre

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) by Théodore Géricault
#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 by Théodore Géricault
#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) by Théodore Géricault
#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) by Théodore Géricault
#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) by Théodore Géricault
#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) by Théodore Géricault
#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) by Théodore Géricault
#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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The Plaster Kiln (1823) by Théodore Géricault
#82

The Plaster Kiln

1823 · Louvre

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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Théodore Géricault's paintings by period

The subjects Théodore Géricault painted most

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

Where to see Théodore Géricault's paintings

The 8 museums that hold the most of the paintings on this page.

Museum City Works by Théodore Géricault Paintings from this list
Louvre, ParisLouvre Paris 20 Raftet av Medusa, The Raft of the Medusa (detail), Leda and the Swan
Château de Chantilly, ChantillyChâteau de Chantilly Chantilly 6 Mazeppa, Boxers, Lion devouring a horse
J. Paul Getty Museum, Los AngelesJ. Paul Getty Museum Los Angeles 3 Three Lovers, Study of a Model, The Race of the Riderless Horses
Nasjonalmuseet i Warszawa, WarszawaNasjonalmuseet i Warszawa Warszawa 3 Equestrian portrait of Wincenty Krasiński., A study for a nude., Study of a nude man
Burrell Collection, GlasgowBurrell Collection Glasgow 8 The Trumpeter of the Lancers of the Guard, A Prancing Grey Horse
Musée Fabre, MontpellierMusée Fabre Montpellier 4 Study of Feet and Hands, Portrait d'homme
Petit Palais, ParisPetit Palais Paris 3 The Scotsman, Italian Landscape with Tomb
Thyssen-Bornemisza-museet, MadridThyssen-Bornemisza-museet Madrid 2 The Kiss, The Horse Race

Théodore Géricault, decade by decade: the defining painting of each

  1. 1800s
    Two Horses (1809) by Théodore Géricault
    Rank 14 / 100

    Two Horses

    Age 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
    Raftet av Medusa (1818) by Théodore Géricault
    No. 1 of 100

    Raftet av Medusa

    Age 19 – 28 · Louvre

    Jean-Louis André Théodore Géricaults monumentale mesterverk er mer enn bare en skildring av en maritim katastrofe; det er en instinktiv utforskning av menneskelig desperasjon, politisk skandale og naturens…

  3. 1820s
    Nymph and Satyr (Jupiter and Antiope) (1820) by Théodore Géricault
    #2 of 100

    Nymph and Satyr (Jupiter and Antiope)

    Age 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;…

Théodore Géricault's masterpieces: questions and answers

Which painting is Théodore Géricault best known for?Show the answer

Raftet av Medusa (1818), Louvre, Paris. Next come Nymph and Satyr (Jupiter and Antiope) (1820) and The Oath of Brutus after the Death of Lucretia (1815).

How old was Théodore Géricault when painting Raftet av Medusa?Show the answer

27 years old: Raftet av Medusa dates from 1818 and Théodore Géricault was born in 1791.

What are Théodore Géricault's ten greatest paintings?Show the answer

Raftet av Medusa, 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 and The Wreck. The ranking above gives the year and the museum of each.

How many works did Théodore Géricault paint?Show the answer

Our catalogue lists 183 works by Théodore Géricault, dated from 1800 to 1824.

In which museums can I see Théodore Géricault's masterpieces?Show the answer

Most of them are in Louvre (Paris), Château de Chantilly (Chantilly) and J. Paul Getty Museum (Los Angeles). The table above lists the museums one by one.

When did Théodore Géricault paint the masterpieces?Show the answer

In 1810s: 67 of the 100 works on this page date from then, among them Raftet av Medusa.

What are the first and last famous paintings of Théodore Géricault?Show the answer

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

What were Théodore Géricault's favourite subjects?Show the answer

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

Which technique did Théodore Géricault favour?Show the answer

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

What art movement is Théodore Géricault part of?Show the answer

Romantic painting, as the paintings on this page show.

Which masterpieces by Théodore Géricault hang at the Louvre?Show the answer

Raftet av Medusa, The Raft of the Medusa (detail) and Leda and the Swan are among the 14 works on this page held by the Louvre, Paris.

Can I own a reproduction of a Théodore Géricault 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 Théodore Géricault

A Life Forged in Romantic Fire

Jean-Louis André Théodore Géricault, a name that echoes through the annals of French art history, was born into a world poised on the precipice of profound change. Emerging from Rouen in 1791, his early years unfolded amidst the reverberations of revolution and the burgeoning ambitions of Napoleon. Though inheriting a comfortable existence through his family’s legal and business endeavors – including a thriving tobacco enterprise – Géricault's destiny wasn’t etched in law or commerce, but rather within the vibrant 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—a fascination that would define much of his work. However, it was his subsequent studies with Pierre-Narcisse Guérin that provided the bedrock for his artistic vision, grounding him in the principles of classical composition while simultaneously fueling his restless spirit 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 transformed into Géricault’s true academy—a sanctuary where he immersed himself in the works of the Old Masters. Rubens, Titian, Velázquez, and Rembrandt became his mentors, not merely through imitation but through a profound engagement with their artistic philosophies. This period wasn't about slavish copying; it was an intense dialogue, an attempt to internalize the very essence of these masters’ approaches to light, shadow, and the human form. He spent countless hours studying their brushstrokes, analyzing their compositions, and grappling with their emotional intensity. This self-directed education fostered a unique artistic voice—a bold departure from the prevailing Neoclassical conventions that emphasized restraint and idealized beauty. His early works, such as *The Charging Chasseur* (1812), already hinted at this emerging sensibility, showcasing a remarkable dynamism of execution and a fascination with movement reminiscent of Rubens’ energetic canvases. He continued to explore equestrian themes, honing his skills in capturing the power and grace of horses—a subject that would remain a recurring motif throughout his career, often imbued with a sense of dramatic tension and impending conflict.

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—a testament to his commitment to realism and emotional truth. The resulting work isn’t 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, mirroring the struggle for survival amidst overwhelming odds. *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 far 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 and solidifying his position as a leading figure in the burgeoning Romantic movement. Sadly, Géricault’s life was tragically 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.

All 183 works by Théodore Géricault →