Eugène Delacroix

Born near Paris on April 26, 1798, Eugène Delacroix emerged as one of the most important French artists of the 19th century. He trained in Paris and quickly became known for bold, emotional paintings that stood apart from stricter academic traditions.

His work often drew on current events, classical history, and literature, from Dante and Shakespeare to the Greek struggle for independence. Paintings such as The Barque of Dante, The Massacre at Chios, and Liberty Leading the People made him a central figure in French Romanticism, admired for his rich color, energy, and sense of drama.

A journey to Morocco and North Africa in 1832 expanded his imagination even further, inspiring many later works and studies. Delacroix also produced murals, portraits, and journals, and his approach to color deeply influenced later artists, including the Impressionists. He died in Paris on August 13, 1863.