Théodore Gericault

Eugene Victor Thaw, New York
Mr. and Mrs. John Hay Whitney (acquired from the above in 1977)

Saratoga, New York, National Museum of Racing, A Selection of Equestrian Art from the Collection of Mr. and Mrs. John Hay Whitney, 1989, no. 12

This previously unpublished watercolor depicts a French cavalry officer, in full military regalia, astride his horse.  For this composition, Géricault used a pencil and watercolor technique that is characteristic of his work from 1822-23, around the time he relocated his studio from London to Paris.  The style and subject matter of the watercolor correspond to this period, as do the superb quality of the brushwork and vibrant color choices. It is believed that Géricault executed this composition independant from any other works, as it does not appear to be a study for an oil composition, nor are there known to be any related drawings or lithographs.