Artist: Théodore Gericault

Culture of Origin: French

Name of Painting: Lions in a Mountainous Landscape

Date: ca. 1818-20

Medium: Oil on wood

 

Written Analysis:

This picture shows six lions resting in a dark lair, along with what seems to be a bone. As the title suggests, there is a mountain range in the background. It is believed that the mountains depicted in this photo are the Atlas Mountains of Morocco. In the background, there seems to be a red light coming from the side of the mountain—perhaps it may be a sunset.

The painting is influenced by romantic art and the lions are depicted as realistic and life-like. However, the painting is in a state of ébauche—unfinished, and left in a sketchlike style—something that Gericault was widely known for doing. This can be seen through the lions as the general look of each lion is complete; however, small details in the tails, for example, seem to be missing or not yet finished.

The central lion seems to be the most emphasized one. There is a sliver of light shining primarily on it, almost in a heavenly manner. It also seems to be more detailed than the other lions. It looks like it’s yawning, forcing it to display its teeth and seem ferocious.

Gericault made this painting seem very dark and gloomy. It may be drawn this way to manipulate the viewer’s perspective towards the central, most illuminated, lion. Also, there is depth to the image, making it seem realistic and adding to the feeling that this painting may actually be a real scene somewhere in nature.