General Letellier on His Deathbed

Theodore Gericault's "General Letellier on His Deathbed" (1820)

On July 9, 1818, Théodore Géricault rushed to General Henry Letellier's home with their friend Louis Bro de Comères after learning of the general's suicide. Grieving his wife's recent death, Letellier had wrapped himself in her scarf and handkerchief and shot himself in the head. Theodore Gericault, a pivotal figure in the Romantic movement, created "General Letellier on His Deathbed" in 1820 using oil on canvas based on a sketch he did of the scene in person.

This work exemplifies Gericault's fascination with themes of mortality and the human condition, which are recurrent in his oeuvre. The painting captures the solemnity and introspection associated with the final moments of life, reflecting the Romantic era's interest in emotion and individual experience. Gericault's attention to detail and dramatic use of light and shadow highlight his mastery in conveying psychological depth. Historically, the painting contributes to the Romantic movement's departure from the idealized forms of Neoclassicism, emphasizing realism and emotional intensity. Gericault's career, though tragically short, significantly influenced later artists, including the Realists and Impressionists, through his innovative approach to subject matter and technique.

"General Letellier on His Deathbed" by Théodore Géricault, created in 1820, is an oil on canvas painting that exemplifies the Romantic style through its dramatic and emotive portrayal of the dying general. The artwork is noted for its somber palette and intense focus on the subject's expression, capturing the poignant moment with a sense of realism and depth.