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Return from Russia, c. 1818. Creator: Theodore Gericault (French, 1791-1824)
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Return from Russia, c. 1818. Creator: Theodore Gericault (French, 1791-1824)
Return from Russia, c. 1818. Gericault was a marvelous lithographer who realized the potential of the medium. Two stones were used to print this image--one for the design printed in black and the other to create the broad areas of tone printed in ocher. This is one of the earliest French lithographs in which a second colour is somewhat integrated into the image instead of just being used for the overall background. Gericault added white watercolour to indicate snow on the lower portion of the scene. Unlike other artists who glorified the Napoleonic Wars (1792-1815), Gericault portrayed a realistic image of the misery and horrors of combat. This scene of two wounded soldiers and exhausted, starving animals is a powerful statement of the pitiful conditions following Napoleons defeat by the Russians
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Media ID 19637708
© Heritage Art/Heritage Images
1791 1824 Théodore Gericault Théodore Géricault French
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Return from Russia, c. 1818
EDITORS COMMENTS
is a powerful lithograph created by the talented French artist Theodore Gericault. This print showcases Gericault's mastery of the medium, as he skillfully used two stones to create different elements of the image. One stone was utilized for the intricate design printed in black, while another was employed to produce broad areas of tone in ocher. What sets this lithograph apart is its innovative use of a second color integrated into the image itself, rather than just serving as a background. Gericault went even further by adding white watercolor to depict snow on the lower part of the scene, enhancing its realism and depth. In contrast to other artists who romanticized and glorified war during the Napoleonic era, Gericault chose to portray a more realistic and somber perspective. "Return from Russia" reveals the harsh aftermath and misery that followed Napoleon's defeat at Russian hands. The scene depicts two wounded soldiers alongside exhausted and starving animals, conveying an overwhelming sense of despair and suffering. This particular lithograph holds historical significance as one of the earliest examples in France where multiple colors were effectively incorporated into an image through lithography techniques. It serves as a poignant reminder not only of Gericault's artistic brilliance but also of humanity's capacity for both heroism and devastation during times of conflict. Image credit: Heritage Art/Heritage Images (not affiliated with any company)
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