Jean-Louis-André-Théodore Gericault Rouen 1791 - 1824 Paris

Sold framed. Condition excellent. Hinged at upper centre to mount. Some very tiny, faint yellow spots noticeable in the upper left corner. A very slight loss to lower right corner. A strip of brown paper is attached to each margin on the verso. The chalk is still very strong and fresh.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The motif of horses, with or without riders, is central to Gericault's art, from the time of his early military paintings such as The Charging Chasseur of 1812 (Paris, Louvre), through works such as the 1817 explorations of the theme of the Race of the Riderless Horses (see lot 219), to the much more contemporary subjects of the 1821 London period drawings and lithographs.  In all these works, the horse clearly was of enormous significance to Gericault, and his deep understanding of these animals and their anatomy infuses the present drawing with a remarkable authority and passion. 

Professor Lorenz Eitner has dated this dynamic study sheet around 1812-14, but has also pointed out certain similarities with the well-known, highly finished 1817 drawing of the Chasse au cerf, in the Louvre (Bazin IV, 1226).