Horse Devoured by a Lion

Horse Devoured by a Lion by Théodore Géricault, created in 1823, is a powerful example of French Romantic printmaking. Executed as a lithograph, this work captures the dramatic intensity and visceral subject matter typical of Géricault’s final years. The scene depicts a violent struggle between predator and prey, where a majestic horse succumbs to the ferocity of a lion, a common motif in early 19th-century European explorations of nature's brutal cycle. Géricault utilized the unique textural properties of the lithographic stone to achieve deep shadows and dynamic movement, emphasizing the raw power of the combatants.

Géricault frequently explored themes of intense emotion, suffering, and the sublime power of animals, particularly the equine form. His dedication to lithography, a relatively new print technique at the time, allowed him to distribute dramatic, large-scale compositions rapidly, establishing the medium as a serious vehicle for artistic expression in France. Following the critical success of his Raft of the Medusa, the artist continued his studies of anatomy and violent action through these graphic prints. This technique offered a spontaneity well-suited to the energetic line work required to represent the straining muscles and tangled forms found in this piece.

Produced just a year before Géricault’s untimely death, this print remains a crucial document of the dynamism achieved in Romantic graphic arts. Its dramatic composition influenced subsequent generations of European artists interested in depicting animal combat and high drama. This specific lithograph is part of the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art, where it serves as a primary example of the artist’s mastery of prints and graphic media. Though the original is held securely in the CMA, high-resolution reproductions of works like this, which are in the public domain, ensure their continued study and appreciation globally.