Eugène Delacroix was the youngest of four children, his early life was sadly filled with much loss due to the death of his father, brother, and his mother all before he was even 16. Delacroix was interested in art from a young age, as he was often encourage by his uncle, artist Henri-François Riesener. Works such as Scenes from the Massacres of Chios (1824), The Death of Sardanapalus (1838) and Liberty Leading the People (1828) helped him become the leader of the Romantic movement in the 19th century. He strayed away from classical scenes and took a modern approach by focusing on more dramatic narratives, often inspired by history or literature. His work was often in direct contrast to that of his rival, Ingres. His pieces often focused on emotion and exoticism, each brush stroke containing vivid color and movement. Many of his works were based on direct observations of nature, for example the many animal drawings he created after his trip to North Africa. Other artists in France during his time were Théodore Géricault and Antoine-Jean Gros (other important figures for the Romantic era of art in France). The Death of Sardanapalus 1827 oil on canvas 12'10" x 16'3" Louvre Museum Paris, France Male Nude Posing for Figures in the "Frise de la Guerre" c. 1835 graphite, laid paper 19.6 x 29.1 cm National Gallery of Art Washington, DC SOURCES:
The Complete Works of Eugène Delacroix The Death of Sardanapalus (video) More Information On Delacroix (make sure you click on the "continue biography" link) After reviewing each of the sources: 1. What are some ways in which Delacroix broke classical tradition in his paintings (especially The Death of Sardanapalus)? 2. What were the main inspirations behind Delacroix's work? 3. Delacroix did not often follow the path of other artists, for example he did not apply for the Prix de Rome. How did Delacroix make himself known and how did it affect his career?
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Julianne
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