Théodore Géricault from Private Collections

as if to merge the exoticism of the costume piece with the precise characterization of portraiture. As a collection of generalized heads, animated by Géricault’s brisk pen work, the present sheet offers a set of ‘types’ in different positions and attitudes. Eitner ( 1989 ) dated this sheet 1822 – 23 , during Géricault’s convalescence after a series of riding accidents. An inscription by the artist on the verso, part of an autograph letter, mentions that “Mademoiselle Josephine [unknown] will repeat to you that I am better, as I told you, and that she even saw me getting ready to go out. Farewell, until we meet again.” The sheet may well have served the artist as he composed a group of lithographs on Oriental themes during his convalescence, such as Le Giaour , 1823 , and a series of illustrations of Orientalist works by Byron, including The Bride of Abydos , 1823 , made in collaboration with Eugène Lami. (AK)

Fig. 24 Mustafa , Musée du Louvre (RF 31700 )