Study of a Severed Head (after Géricault)
Drawing on paper • Anonymous (possibly Academic school or manner of Théodore Géricault)
Style & Movement
Romanticism / Academic Realism
Medium & Technique
Black chalk or graphite with white gouache highlights on blue-grey laid paper; utilizing hatching and cross-hatching to define anatomical volume
Creation Period
Late 19th to early 20th century
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 25 x 35 cm; Portrait orientation
Subject Description
A visceral study of a human head in a state of terminal agony or post-mortem contraction, featuring an open mouth and upturned eyes. This is a common motif found in early 19th-century Romanticism, specifically referencing Géricault's studies for 'The Raft of the Medusa'.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good (considering age)
Estimated Market Value
$800 - $1,500 USD
Auction Estimate
$600 - $1,200 USD
Provenance History
Unknown; likely originating from an art academy or private European collection based on the paper type and frame style.
Art Historical Significance
Representational of the 19th-century fascination with the macabre and pathological studies. While an apprentice or follower work rather than a primary autograph work by a master, it demonstrates the rigorous training of anatomical drawing and the lasting influence of French Romanticism.
Notable Features
The use of 'papier bleu' (blue paper) is a classic technique for building three-dimensional forms using highlights; the frame is a modern faux-aged decorative moulding.
Condition Issues
Visible vertical crease down the center; light foxing and minor discoloration consistent with age; slight surface abrasions and some loss of white highlighting.
Conservation Recommendations
Remounting with acid-free archival materials (hinge-mounting); installation of UV-protective glass; maintenance in a stable environment with 50% humidity to prevent further paper embrittlement.