Lions in a Mountainous Landscape
Acrylic On Canvas
WallArt
Romanticism
1818
48.0 x 60.0 cm
Metropolitan Museum of Art
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. Until its acquisition by the Museum, the composition was known only by means of a replica (Musée du Louvre, Paris), which is thought to have been painted by an artist in Gericault’s circle.
Théodore Géricault (1791 – 1824)
Explore the dramatic Romanticism of Théodore Géricault (1791-1824). Discover his masterpiece, 'The Raft of the Medusa,' and powerful depictions of tragedy & 19thC life. A pioneer of French art.
Metropolitan Museum of Art (new york, United States of America)
Explore The Metropolitan Museum of Art: 5,000 years of art from around the world! Discover masterpieces, ancient artifacts & immersive exhibitions – a global art destination awaits.
About this artwork
- Title: Lions in a Mountainous Landscape
- Artist: Théodore Géricault
- Year: 1818
- Original dimensions: 48.0 x 60.0 cm
- Format: Landscape
- Copyright status: Public domain
- Where to see it: Metropolitan Museum of Art
- Corpus context: pioneering technique , animal symbolism
- Main color: Espresso
- Purpose: Accent
Quick Facts
- Year: 1818–20
- Location: The Metropolitan Museum of Art
- Notable elements or techniques: Spontaneous handling; Esquisse style
- Title: Lions in a Mountainous Landscape
- Movement: Romanticism
- Dimensions: 19 x 23 1/2 in.
- Artist: Théodore Géricault