A masterpiece of the 19th century, Géricault’s “Raft of the Medusa” is a veritable manifesto of Romanticism…
By Cécile Martet | 22 Aug 2023
The Story of a Sinister Episode
The story made headlines at the time. In 1816, the French frigate La Méduse ran aground off the coast of Mauritania with nearly 400 men on board, as it was preparing to colonise Senegal. In command was an officer from the Ancien Régime who failed to prevent the frigate from running aground on a sandbank.
And for good reason, he hadn’t sailed in over 20 years! Théodore Géricault quickly seized upon the subject and extensively studied this news story before depicting what would become the greatest masterpiece of his life.
How could one remain indifferent to such a scene? Géricault immortalises a moment of heart-wrenching horror against a backdrop of hope. To reach solid ground, the shipwreck survivors have no choice but to construct a raft. For thirteen days, they all endure a true ordeal, ravaged by thirst and hunger, with some even resorting to murder. Only about ten of them survive.
Thus begins a remarkable three-year-long investigative effort. Géricault interviews survivors, constructs a model of the scene, and creates numerous preparatory sketches. He even visits the morgue to study corpses!
It’s easy to understand why this 5 meters by 7 meters canvas fascinated and scandalised the public so much. Géricault managed to shed light on a French naval failure and turn it into an exceptional work of art.
Four Details Not to Miss
1. A Dual Pyramid Composition
The Raft of the Medusa has become a legend. In many aspects, the 28-year-old painter demonstrates his genius through this finely crafted work. Everything has been thought out and calculated. Besides the striking power of the chiaroscuro, the first thing we notice is the pyramid composition that elevates us towards a sky that is only slightly brighter but extremely heavy.
The canvas as a whole embodies profound Romanticism. Almost all the living characters have their bodies turned toward the man who calls for help, waving a piece of cloth to the point of risking his own life.
Two invisible pyramids emerge. The art of strength and combat in the face of the cry of despair, and the gaping downfall that dominates this raft. The mast on the left doubles down on this man upon whom all hopes rest.
2. An Eulogy of Death
The downward axis of the painting clearly indicates that death has begun to take its toll on the men. Lifeless bodies litter the wooden planks, and Géricault left nothing to chance. One man holds his dead son in his arms, others lie stretched out, their bodies partially submerged in the water—a tragedy perfectly captured by the painter.
Dozens of preparatory studies allowed Géricault to capture the postures, emotions, and the atmosphere of death through a meticulous selection of colours. Most of the flesh is in various stages of decomposition.
The shadows that cover the bodies and corpses give an unparalleled depth to the canvas. After enduring dark nights in the cold, battered by waves and icy winds, the objective is clear: lighten the raft to survive. The weaker individuals are thrown into the sea, abandoned, leading to scenes of cannibalism.
3. When Delacroix Joins the Raft
A guest star in Géricault’s painting! Eugène Delacroix, another painter and great admirer of his comrade, posed for the representation of this character clinging to a beam, facing the raft, struggling to survive. The question arises: is he already dead? Will he succumb soon?
4. Birth of Hope
A sign of regained freedom after long days steeped in horror, the Argus appears in the distance amidst the tumultuous waves, ready to save these exhausted survivors. In just a few days, the 150 people aboard the raft descended into madness, many perished, cast into the sea, or died of hunger and cold.
This scene of absolute ignominy demonstrates that there is hope, however slim, of returning to solid ground. Even though only ten manage to achieve it, the silhouette of the ship emerging in celestial light reminds us that the nightmare is about to end.
A Closed and Framed Scene Amidst Immensity
Géricault devoted himself body and soul to this work. He was always particularly drawn to expressing neuroses, suffering, and the evocation of death. Disappearing at the age of 32 after a tumultuous existence, he is now universally recognised as the archetype of the Romantic artist.
At the time, the painting was also interpreted as a critique of slavery due to the presence of a black man at the top of the pyramid, metaphorically leading the way and becoming a leader.
