Théodore Géricault from Private Collections

20. Interior of a Torchlit Stable

c. 1821 – 22 Oil on canvas 12 ½ x 10 ¼ inches ( 31 . 5 x 26 cm) Wax seal of Pierre Olivier Dubaut Collection on the strainer Inscribed on the strainer: Géricault/ …des Ecuries Impériales/à Versailles/ v.1813 provenance Pierre Olivier Dubaut, Paris; thence by descent; Richard L. Feigen & Co.; Private Collection.

l i terature Grunchec 1978 , no. 236 .

In contrast to the robust naturalism and attention to detail that characterize Géricault’s typical depictions of stables—a favorite subject and haunt of the artist—this small painting conjures its subject as an enveloping, mysterious atmosphere. Correspondence from Eitner, June 2003 , describes it as “a work of some weight, a subject matter picture, rather than a mere study.” Eitner believes it was painted after Géricault’s trip to England in 1821 – 22 , while Grunchec assigns a later date. In its spare conception and exquisitely subtle execution, the painting exemplifies, as Eitner believed, “the poetic sensibility of which Géricault was capable, but to which he did not often give expression.”