How did the gruesome aftermath of a shipwreck inspire a masterpiece of Romantic art? And did Théodore Géricault really acquire body parts so he could capture the appearance of rotting flesh? Join Alastair and James as they tell the true story of a doomed ship and an extraordinary painting that laid bare the depths of humanity - The Raft of the Medusa by Théodore Géricault.
Artworks in this episode include:
Théodore Géricault, The Raft of the Medusa, 1819, Louvre, Paris
Horace Vernet, Portrait of Théodore Géricault, c.1823, Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York City
Théodore Géricault, An Officer of the Imperial Horse Guards Charging, 1812, Louvre, Paris
To see images of the artworks in this episode go to heni.com/storiesofart or visit the Heni Talks YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/@HENITalks
Hosts: Alastair Sooke and Dr James Fox
Additional Research: Catherine Ingram
Producer and Editor: Ben Harding
Executive Producer: Emma Cahusac