1791 Théodore Géricault’s Birth
Géricault Life
Introduction
On October 19, 1791, Georges-Nicolas Géricault (Théodore Géricault’s father) wrote to his cousin, Haye de la Diverre, a physician living in Saint Georges de Rouellé near Domfront in western Normandy. Georges-Nicolas Géricault was born in Saint-Cyr-du-Bailleul. Towns where Géricault relations lived are indicated in red on the map below. This letter, one of very few pieces of correspondence we possess, opens a window on Géricault family life.
At the bottom of this page view a map featuring the locations of some of Géricault’s relations in western Normandy.
Adresse: A Monsieur
Monsieur Haÿe de la Diverre
Maître en chirurgie
à Saint Georges de Rouellé
près Domfront
à Domfront
Rouen 19 8bre 1791
“Dear cousin and good friend,
I wrote to my dear aunt that I was father to a big boy; I did not think then of all the pains and worries which have followed this happy event. My wife soon after became dangerously ill from an inflammation which first developed in the lower abdomen and then spread almost throughout her body. The pain was very acute and the danger imminent. Happily, both the internal and external emollients were applied in time and with success; the Danger passed and in the last several days, especially, an improvement in her condition has been noted. There are still some Pains, but the practitioners are pleasantly surprised and assured of a prompt and complete recovery. Indeed, her appetite is returning; my dear friend is able to take dry bread; please be aware that she passed three mortal weeks without taking any food but chicken and beef broth. Her slumber has become peaceful and calm; her digestion is functioning as it should. These are most certainly the signs of a sound convalescence, and of a recovery soon to follow. However, we must still manage the milky humor, the first cause of ill health among women, I am told, which lasts six weeks. My dear one must remain patient and careful for fifteen days more. We can be certain she will, because she will be closely monitored and because she desires it. Her baby was doing well the day before yesterday when I found the time to visit; he promises to be a regular fellow like his father.
It is such a pleasure to share with you all these Details, which I persuade myself may be of interest to you. There are three letters which I wrote: one to the Rochers, one to my aunt, and this one here; I look forward to one at least in return, it does not matter from whom because I will get the news of all, no matter, one and the same.
I do not know if my good auntie has profited from fine weather to go and see the woods which we plan to sell, send me a word. You and the family are always in my heart.
Your dear friend, servant, nephew, and cousin
Géricault
And your loves, dear friend? How do they proceed? If you only knew how much I desire their success! We must wait, of course, for the feelings and the humors to come together. A thousand best wishes to our friends and especially to our dear cousin.”
Géricault Family in Western Normandy in Red, other cities in Blue.
Cassini Map of France, 1750 (composite, detail) courtesy of David Rumsey Maps.