Romanticism - Art Eugene Delacroix

By Lasky Jennifer L.

Eugene Delacroix was born on April 26, 1798, near Paris, France. It is widely debated and thought, to this day, who his real father is. Many believe that his real father is actually the notable figure Talleyrand, whom Delacroix resembles more than his alleged father. Unfortunately, by the time Delacroix turned 16, both of his parents had passed away, and he was left basically on his own. His run at being one of the most prominent artists of the Romantic era began during his studies at the Lycée Louis-le-Grand. During this time he won numerous awards and accolades for his drawing. He quickly lost interest in academics, and he preferred to be inspired by the works of friends and other prominent artists. His influences included Rubens, Verones, Velazquez, and Goya. After meeting Theodore Gericault, Delacroix formed a long-lasting personal relationship that would inspire him tremendously.
Eugene’s first major work was accepted by the Paris Salon in 1822. The painting, The Barquie of Dante, was first met with great opposition. However, at the same time, many were mesmerized by his work and supported Delacroix. This pattern would continue for most of his lift as his works were known to stir up some controversy. In 1824, Delacroix’s painting struck gold again.

The Massacre at Scio proved that Eugene was a brilliant man that thoroughly believed he could make the world a better place via his paintings. The painting was indeed morbid as well as it portrayed Greeks being killed by the Turks in their battle for independence. Again, the painting stirred up mixed feelings as there was no real positive feeling or event in the picture. The majority of his paintings show his obsession with human morality, death, and historical moments.
To go along with his support of the Greeks, Delacroix created another masterpiece, Greece on the Ruines of Missolonghi, which featured a woman about to witness the suicide of the Greeks rather than being captured. In Delacroix’s eyes, this painting was a tribute to the brave Greek people that fought long and hard for their freedom. In addition to his sympathies to the Greek people, Delacroix was also able to honor the poet Byron who had also died here as well.
A trip to England in 1825 continued to spark his drive to continue painting. He met many influential figures such as Thomas Lawrence and Richard Bonington. Delacroix began painting many Romantic works during this time. A reoccurring theme or violent yet sensual subjects began to emerge in his works. Around this time he was also making lithographs. His most recognized one was that of Shakespeare. 

 

In 1830, Delacroix delivered his best known painting, Liberty Leading the People. The painting features dead soldiers laying on the ground as the Parisians marched forward after achieving freedom. Delacroix was inspired by events such as this because they portrayed a sense of liberty and triumph. Eventually, the French government bought the painting, only to remove it from the public eye as they thought the tones of freedom were a little too much. The French government still enjoyed his works and paid him a great deal of money through the years to paint many murals and ceiling paintings.
Because of his numerous prominent contacts, Eugene was able to take a journey through Morocca in 1832. This trip exposed him to orientalism. He immediately took a liking to drawing exotic paintings and paintings of Eastern culture and people. Delacroix enjoyed introducing Eastern influences into French art. He even took the paintings one step further making them more imaginative than fact-based.The paintings portrayed wild animals and vivid images and colors. While escaping life in Paris, he also travelled to North Africa where he produced over 100 drawings.

He enjoyed depicting Jewish and Muslim women in their natural habitats. In addition to paintings of woman, he painted animals which he believed embodied romantic passion more so than human beings.
In addition to the number of paintings he drew, Delacroix was interested by literature and began illustrating works from Shakespeare and Goethe. Hamlet especially grabbed Delacroix’s attention as it focused on uncertainty and human death.
After returning to France, Delacroix began painting and decorating public buildings. Over the next 30 years, he continued to paint the Library at the Palais Bourbon and the Library at the Palais du Lexembourg. Then he moved on to paint the ceiling in the Galerie d’Apollon of the Louvre. He enjoyed doing this work because it gave him an opportunity to paint on a much larger scale. He was doing what he did best following in the footsteps of artists he admired most. It was an honor for him to be doing the same exact thing those before him did. He could finally feel completely successful in this endeavor.
Unfortunately, this work wore Eugene out over time. He had suffered from bouts of fever ever since the 1820s. Delacroix could not keep up with busy life in Paris, and he enjoyed seeking refuge in the country. In Champrosay he settled in a small cottage where he would retreat to in order to find some peace and quiet. Thanks to the care of his housekeeper, Jeanne-Marie le Guillou, Delacroix was well cared for throughout the remainder of his years. In 1863, Eugene Delacroix passed away in Paris, France. He was buried at the Pere Lachaise Cemetery.

Even though his works may be considered of boring events, Delacroix somehow managed to make all his paintings exciting. The colors and vibrancy make his portraits seem to be exploding with life. His works usually encompassed colors of deep red, blues and greens, and golden white. His works portrayed a world removed from reality. Delacroix’s works would serve as a stepping-stone for Impressionist artists to come. His rough, swinging brushstroke neglected correct use of perspective. Many believe Eugene’s works serve as a bridge between classic styles of old and modern movements in the 19th century. In his lifetime, he created more than 850 oil paintings and 2000 drawings and watercolors. Some even believe he was one of the most important religious artists of the 19th century.