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"Raft
of the Medusa"
Theodore Géricault
| 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. Géricault'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, Géricault lapsed into depression. But in 1820,
Géricault took this huge canvas to London where it met with considerable
success in exhibitions. |
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