In this Salon of 1814 entry, Géricault decided to turn away from scenes of heroism in favor of a subject that is on the losing side of the battle.

On display in the aftermath of France's disastrous military campaign in Russia, this life-size painting captured the feeling of a nation in defeat.

[2] The painting stood in stark contrast with Géricault's Charging Chasseur, as it didn't focus on glory or the spectacle of battle.

After The Wounded Cuirassier received a negative response from critics, Géricault entered a long period of artistic study, and in 1816 he left France to find inspiration in Rome.

[4] Géricault rushed to make The Wounded Cuirassier in only three weeks and created five separate sketches and drafts before the final version.