The Raft of the Medusa (artwork reference)

The Raft of the Medusa is a powerful 1818-1819 painting by Théodore Géricault that depicts the aftermath of a tragic shipwreck. It shows a raft with stranded survivors struggling against despair, starvation, and exposure, highlighting human suffering and chaos. The composition's dramatic intensity captures the raw emotions and desperation of the victims, emphasizing themes of survival, fate, and the consequences of governmental incompetence. Géricault conducted extensive research, including studying corpses and using live models, to create a realistic and impactful image that challenged traditional Romantic and Neoclassical styles. It remains a compelling symbol of human endurance and tragedy.