Théodore Géricault (Rouen 1791-1824 Paris)

This composition is known in at least three versions. The present drawing is that which was exhibited as no. 220 in the Gericault centenary exhibition of 1924. It is related to a wash drawing on the recto of fol. 7 in the album of Gericault sketches in the Art Institute of Chicago. A third variant, smaller than the present drawing but also formerly belonging to Richard Goetz, is now in the Nationalmuseum, Stockholm.

In a letter to the present owner, dated 27 October 2004, Lorenz Eitner confirmed the attribution of the present drawing to Gericault.