The 19th-century French romantic artist's life-long fascination with horses is examined here by the author of a catalogue raisonne of his paintings ( Tout l'oeuvre peint de Gericault , 1978). The introduction gives biographical background with an emphasis on Gericault's recurring themes, and the catalog provides a selection of drawings and watercolors that trace his interest in equine subjects throughout his career. Each sumptuous color reproduction is accompanied by a short commentary and a fine scholarly catalog entry. Unfortunately, comparative images are too small to be very useful, and more would have been welcome since the commentaries frequently refer to paintings not illustrated. Although a lavish picture book, possibly useful to students and scholars, this is best used in conjunction with books on Gericault's paintings.
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