2 Paintings by Théodore Géricault of The wounded Cuirassier, with footnotes

Théodore Géricault  (1791–1824)

The Wounded Cuirassier, c. 1814

Oil on canvas

height: 358 cm (11.7 ft); width: 294 cm (115.7 in)

Louvre Museum

Cuirassiers were cavalry equipped with a cuirass, sword, and pistols. Cuirassiers first appeared in mid-to-late 16th century Europe as a result of armoured cavalry, such as men-at-arms and demi-lancers, discarding their lances and adopting the use of pistols as their primary weapon. In the later part of the 17th century the cuirassier lost his limb armour and subsequently wore only the cuirass (breastplate and backplate), and sometimes a helmet. By this time, the sword or sabre had become his primary weapon, with pistols relegated to a secondary function.

Cuirassiers achieved increased prominence during the Napoleonic Wars and were last fielded in the opening stages of World War I (1914-1918). A number of countries continue to use cuirassiers as ceremonial troops.

The French term cuirassier means "one with a cuirass", the breastplate armour which they wore. More on Cuirassiers

Théodore Géricault (Rouen 1791-1824 Paris)

A study for The wounded Cuirassier

oil on canvas

39.3 x 29.3cm (15 1/2 x 11 9/16in).

Private collection

The Wounded Cuirassier is an oil painting of a single anonymous soldier descending a slope with his nervous horse by Théodore Géricault. In this 1814 Salon entry, Géricault decided to turn away from scenes of heroism in favor of a subject that is on the losing side of the battle. On display in the aftermath of France's disastrous military campaign in Russia, this life-size painting captured the feeling of a nation in defeat. There are no visible wounds on the figure, and the title has sometimes been interpreted to refer to soldier's injured pride. The painting stood in stark contrast with Géricault's Charging Chasseur, as it didn't focus on glory or the spectacle of battle. More on this painting

Théodore Géricault, in full Jean-Louis-André-Théodore Géricault, (born September 26, 1791, Rouen, France—died January 26, 1824, Paris), painter who exerted a seminal influence on the development of Romantic art in France. Géricault was a dandy and an avid horseman whose dramatic paintings reflect his flamboyant and passionate personality.

As a student, Géricault learned the traditions of English sporting art from the French painter Carle Vernet, and he developed a remarkable facility for capturing animal movement. He also mastered classicist figure construction and composition under the academician Pierre-Narcissse, Baron Guérin. Another student of Guérin, Eugène Delacroix, was profoundly influenced by Géricault, finding in his example a major point of departure for his own art. More on Théodore Géricault

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