Spanish Horse

12 June – 30 December 1820

London: 50,000 visitors and 20,000 francs

The entrepreneur Bullock exhibited “The Raft of the Medusa” in London from 12 June to 30 December 1820; about 50,000 people saw it, critics called it a masterpiece, and its author was compared to Michelangelo and Caravaggio. Géricault was entitled to a third of the ticket receipts and received 20,000 francs.

1820–1821

London: urban poverty and friendship with Charlet

In London Géricault witnessed urban poverty, made drawings of his impressions and published lithographs based on these observations, free of sentimentality. He associated much there with Charlet, the lithographer and caricaturist.

1821–1824

Illness and falls from horses after his return from England

After returning to Paris from England Géricault was often ill, and his condition was made worse by several falls during horseback rides.

1824

Tuberculosis and a long period of suffering before his death

Weakened by riding accidents and a chronic tubercular infection, Géricault died in Paris in 1824 after a long period of suffering.

26 janvier 1824

Died