With Chaos Comes Bloody Anarchy
How the Raft of the Medusa shines a light into the elite establishment of 19th century France
Today’s art world considers The Raft of the Medusa painting one of Théodore Géricault’s greatest works. It’s also regarded as one of France’s most celebrated work of art.
When it was first exhibited in 1819 at the Paris Salon, it received a mixed reception. Some were fascinated by the macabre nature of the painting while others were disgusted by all the dead bodies depicted. It was a far cry from the classist art genre that was celebrated at the time. Maybe it proved too real for them? No one wanted to buy the painting. Géricault took it down after the exhibition and hid it away, focusing on other art projects.
A year later, it was shown in London, much to the astonishment of the curious crowd who gave themselves a tap on the back for being more civilised compared to the barbaric French. It also further boosted morale as a few years before, Napoleon was defeated at the battle of Waterloo.
“The painting had fervent admirers too, including Auguste Jal who praised its political theme, its liberal position (the advancement of the “negro”, the critique of ultra-royalism), and its modernity.”- Louvre Museum
