Sheet of Figure Studies

This sheet of studies may have originally formed part of a sketchbook. Most of the groups are related to military subjects, betraying the artist’s preoccupation with military life under Napoleon. While the studies do not seem to be directly preparatory, many motifs reappear in Géricault’s finished paintings. The group of five soldiers at centre right relates to 'The Epidemic of Yellow Fever at Cadiz' of 1819. There the man seen from behind is based on the figure of the sleeping soldier in the drawing.