Géricault 

In early 19th century France, Napoleon's First Empire collapsed and the Bourbon monarchy was restored. Recognized genius painter Théodore Géricault exhibited The Raft of the Medusa, a realistic depiction of a tragic accident, at the Salon and brought about controversy. With a composition based on historical records and dynamic drawings, this work dramatically portrays the life of "the pioneer of modern art" in pursuit of the essence of art.