Eugène Delacroix

Original Prints: Etchings and Lithographs

The leading figure of the Romantic school, Eugène Delacroix (1798 - 1863) also played a major role in the printmaking revival during the first half of the 19th century.

From etching (of course) to the novel discipline of lithography, he explored the various techniques with insatiable curiosity and clear graphic genius, producing one of the richest bodies of work of the time, and furthermore revolutionizing the conception itself of the image in illustration.

Tigre Couché à l'Entrée de son Antre Tiger lying at the Entrance to its Lair Delteil 12 etching, circa 1828-30, the unique "Bon à tirer" trial proof of the 5th state (of 6 or 7) Delacroix was an attentive observer of animal form, the feline figure here rendered with considerable refinement.

Marguerite à l'Eglise (de Faust) Margaret at the Church (from Faust) Delteil 70 lithograph, circa 1826, the 1st state (of 5), an exceedingly rare proof impression before the first album edition The landmark Faust series marks Delacroix's first endeavour to create an album in illustration of a literary work, here the crucial scene in which the "evil spirit" appears to a miserable and lamenting Margaret.

Lionne déchirant la Poitrine d'un Arabe Lioness clawing an Arab's Chest Delteil 25 soft-ground etching, 1849, the very rare 1st state, before the first edition Delacroix's last etching combines two of his favourite subjects, the feline and the Oriental, with a grippingly dynamic handling of the inextricable figures.

Hamlet (Treize Sujets dessinés par Eugène Delacroix) Hamlet (Thirteen Subjects drawn by Eugène Delacroix) Delteil 102bis, 103-106, 108-113, 115-116, and 118 lithographs, 1834-1843, the complete and very rare first edition (and first emission) of the thirteen lithographs, with the rare original cover, one of only 20 albums printed on chiné appliqué Delacroix's Hamlet was his most ambitious graphic project, conceived over a 10 year period and published first in 1843.  (Here the largest lithograph of the album, showing the scene where Hamlet stages the play reenacting the murder of his father, the king: The Actors play the Scene of his Father's Poisoning, D. 109).         next artist  >