Théodore Gericault

Théodore Géricault was a French painter born in 1791 and active until his untimely death in 1824. He is best known as a key figure in the Romanticism movement, which emphasized emotion and individualism in art. Géricault's most famous work, "The Raft of the Medusa," created in 1818-1819, is a monumental depiction of human suffering and resilience, reflecting contemporary social issues. His innovative approach to composition and dramatic use of light and shadow influenced subsequent generations of artists. Géricault's life was marked by personal struggles, including mental health issues, which ultimately contributed to his early demise at the age of 32. Despite his brief career, his impact on the art world remains significant.