Sketch for the Women of Algiers 1832

Eugène Delacroix made this small watercolor sketch, "Women of Algiers," to capture his first impressions during a trip to North Africa. Delacroix made quick notes on the colors, textures, and patterns of the scene. Look at how he used the watercolor to capture the softness of the textiles, like the pillows and the women's clothing. You can see how the fluid quality of the paint allows the colors to blend and create a hazy, dreamlike effect. But consider also the labor involved in these textiles. The fabrics are woven, dyed, and embroidered, reflecting the skill of the artisans who made them. By including these details, Delacroix acknowledges the cultural context of his subject matter, and also the broader economics of production that put these items in the scene. Delacroix’s sketch invites us to think about the many hands and processes that contribute to a work of art, blurring the boundaries between fine art, craft and global economics.