Two Dappled Horses Exercising

Two Dappled Horses Exercising by Théodore Géricault, created in 1822, is a masterful example of early 19th-century French lithography. As one of the preeminent figures of the Romantic movement, Géricault held a lifelong fascination with equine anatomy and power, making the horse a central motif in his vast body of work. This powerful print captures two magnificent dappled horses mid-exercise, their muscular forms rendered with a dynamic energy and expressive detail characteristic of the artist's style. Géricault utilizes deep contrasts of light and shadow, highlighting the tension in the animals’ movements and the dramatic texture of their coats.

The choice of the lithograph medium was significant; Géricault was instrumental in elevating this printing process in France, valuing its capacity for quick, painterly effects that mirrored his expressive drawing style. Unlike traditional etching or engraving, lithography allowed Géricault to achieve deep, velvety blacks and soft gradations of tone, emphasizing the texture and atmospheric depth of the composition. Produced just two years before the artist’s untimely death, this work reflects the intense interest in animal subjects and dramatic realism that defined French art of the 1820s. This significant print is housed in the permanent collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. As this work is centuries old, prints derived from this lithograph often enter the public domain, allowing wide accessibility to the enduring genius of Géricault.