Lara Wounded

Lara Wounded by Théodore Géricault, created in 1822, is a prime example of French Romantic printmaking. This lithograph demonstrates the artist's powerful engagement with narrative drama and technical innovation, standing as a pivotal work among his graphic output.

As a key figure in the burgeoning Romantic movement, Géricault utilized the then relatively new medium of lithography to achieve deep contrasts and expressive textures. This technique, which allowed the artist to draw directly onto the stone, proved ideally suited to the Romantic focus on intense emotion and psychological conflict. The subject matter is rooted in popular literature of the time, deriving from Lord Byron’s narrative poem, The Corsair. The scene depicts the eponymous protagonist, Lara, in a moment of vulnerability following injury, capturing the turmoil and tragedy central to the poetic source material.

Géricault's mastery of the lithographic medium is evident in the nuanced tonal variations, which transition dramatically from rich, deep shadows to focused highlights, enhancing the intensity of the composition. The heavy atmospheric effects typical of the artist’s oeuvre amplify the overall drama surrounding the figure. This sophisticated work, classified as an important print from 19th-century France, is held within the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. Historically significant pieces like this continue to inform studies of early modern art, and high-quality representations of Lara Wounded are often made available through public domain initiatives, ensuring the legacy of Géricault's work endures.