A Postilion or The Two Harnessed Horses (Translation)
Un Postillon ou les Deux Chevaux Harnaches (Primary Title)
from "Suite de Huit Petites Pieces" (Series Title)
Théodore Géricault, French, 1791 - 1824 (Artist)
This postilion, a person whose job it is to ride the horse on the left of two drawing horses for a carriage or coach, seems especially proud of his dominance over the horses and the landscape. This sardonic characterization of this personality of the highways is enhanced by the sharp focus brought on him by Géricault’s skillful use of the vignette. The print is from a group of eight representing the variety of equestrian themes that allowed the artist to freely explore human temperament, human society, and local customs as they existed in diverse geographical areas. The results were highly original and distinct notwithstanding their common subject matter.
Inscribed in graphite, lower left: "61"; lower right: "D. 61 ii (of iii)" and "62"
George Corbin Harwell and Kathleen Leigh Williams Harwell Fund
"The French Horse from Géricault to Picasso: Works from the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts", The National Sporting Library & Museum, May 6 - July 31, 2016
"The French Horse from Géricault to Picasso: Works from the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts", University of Richmond, March 3 - April 25, 2016
"The French Horse from Géricault to Picasso: Works from the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts", University of Richmond, March 3 - April 25, 2016
Image released via Creative Commons CC-BY-NC
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