Un homme d'armes, 1833
Eugène Delacroixexpand_more
Etchingexpand_more
Gift of James A. Bergquist, Boston, in honor of Rachel McGarryexpand_more 2021.69.8
Not on Viewexpand_more
Eugène Delacroix was a leading exponent of Romantic art in France. Inspired by earlier painters, such as Titian and Rubens, and by modern authors, such as Lord Byron and Sir Walter Scott, he cast his net widely for tales of adventure, mystery, and exoticism. Many of his paintings were large-scale murals, and he was know for his vibrant use of color. Thus, it may come as a surprise that he chose to make this quiet, small scale etching with no apparent specific literary source. But Delacroix was a tireless draftsman who liked to record, interpret, and invent while working on paper. Small etchings such as this allowed his to give his public a sense of leafing through his sketchbooks. This one, imagining a man from three or four hundred years earlier, was produced in 1830, when the historicizing Troubadour Style was at its height. Delacroix shows his with a plumed beret, armor (a cuirass around his upper body and vambraces on his forearms), and a sword in his left hand. Is this a contemplative moment before the onset of battle' We don't know, but for now he seems safely situated amid luxuries, such as a richly embroidered tablecloth.
Details
- Title
- Un homme d'armes
- Artist Life
- 1798–1863
- Role
- Artist
- Accession Number
- 2021.69.8
- Catalogue Raisonne
- Robaut 458 Moreau 18 Beraldi V.157 Delteil 17 I/IV Delteil/Strauber 17 I/IV Inventaire du fonds francais 15 Glaubinger 24
- Curator Approved
This record is from historic documentation and may not have been reviewed by a curator, so may be inaccurate or incomplete. Our records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.
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