Eugène Delacroix

Eugène Delacroix (1798–1863), French, Eugène Delacroix, a seminal figure in French Romantic painting, was born on April 26, 1798, in Charenton-Saint-Maurice, near Paris, and passed away on August 13, 1863, in Paris. His artistic legacy is marked by a dynamic interplay of color and emotion, positioning him as a pivotal force in the Romantic movement. Delacroix's early recognition came at the Salon of 1824, setting the stage for a prolific career that would see him drawing inspiration from historical anecdotes, literary works, and contemporary events, as vividly illustrated in masterpieces like 'La Liberté guidant le peuple' and 'Femmes d'Alger dans leur appartement'.
Born into a family of notable standing, Delacroix was the fourth child of Charles-François Delacroix, a diplomat and former minister, and Victoire Œben, descended from a renowned lineage of cabinetmakers. This heritage of craftsmanship and political engagement may have subtly influenced his artistic and intellectual pursuits. By the age of 40, Delacroix had cemented his reputation, securing significant state commissions that allowed him to explore large-scale public works, including murals and ceiling decorations, alongside his canvas paintings. His oeuvre extends beyond painting to include engravings, lithographs, and a collection of writings, notably his Journal, offering insights into his creative process and the cultural milieu of 19th-century France.