Eugène Delacroix

Born near Paris in 1798, Eugène Delacroix became one of the defining artists of the French Romantic movement. From early in his career, he stood out for dramatic subjects, emotional force, and a rich, daring use of color that set him apart from more classical painters of his day.

His paintings often drew on contemporary events, literature, and travel. Works such as The Barque of Dante, The Massacre at Chios, and Liberty Leading the People made his reputation, while a journey to Morocco in 1832 opened up new themes and visual ideas that stayed with him for years. He also produced murals, drawings, and an important journal that gives a vivid picture of his artistic life.

Delacroix died in Paris in 1863, but his influence lasted far beyond his own century. Later artists admired the freedom of his brushwork and the power of his color, and he is still seen as one of the great figures who pushed painting toward a more modern, expressive style.