Artwork Page for Study of a Horse

Details / Information for Study of a Horse

Study of a Horse

c. 1825–30

Eugène Delacroix

(French, 1798–1863)
Culture
France, 19th century
Medium
Pen and brown ink on cream laid paper
Measurements
Image: 17.1 x 24 cm (6 3/4 x 9 7/16 in.); Sheet: 21 x 28.2 cm (8 1/4 x 11 1/8 in.)
Credit Line
Nancy F. and Joseph P. Keithley Collection Gift 2020.128
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
Print
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Did You Know?

Although Eugène Delacroix created a realistic representation of a horse in this drawing, the animals sometimes served as symbols for the conflict between man and nature in his work.

Description

Eugène Delacroix repeatedly depicted horses throughout his career, visiting stables to observe the animals at rest and in motion. This sheet is likely one such example made from life. Delacroix loosely sketched the horse's form, concentrating on the tension of its front legs and leaving the rest of its body loosely rendered. Through such exercises, the artist hoped to eventually master this subject.
A horizontally oriented ink drawing in dark brown lines on cream paper depicts a fragmented horse facing left. The animal features pointed ears, a long neck, and a muscular chest above two front legs on a ground line. The rear is incomplete, showing only the rump and a short tail. Thick strokes define the neck and chest, while a small red inscription sits on the left, contrasting with the light paper.

Study of a Horse

c. 1825–30

Eugène Delacroix

(French, 1798–1863)
France, 19th century

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