| The Medusa, a government vessel, had foundered off the
West African coast and 150 people tried to escape on a raft. After
thirteen days, only fifteen were rescued alive. They had had
nothing but a few drops of wine - and human meat - to sustain them.
The tragedy was blamed on official negligence and created a
political scandal. This incident was the result of tragic
mismanagement and provoked scandal in France when the survivors were
able to tell their stories. Gericault's depiction of the anguish of
the event was construed by the government as an outright political
attack. Though the painting was titled simply
Shipwreck, all the visitors knew its real subject. Critics
either condemned or praised it depending on their political rather
than their artistic leanings. Disappointed by the lack of artistic
appreciation, Gericault lapsed into depression. But in 1820,
Gericault took this huge canvas to London where it met with
considerable success in exhibitions. |