Hercules Between Virtue and Vice 1849 - 1852

This 1849-1852 pencil sketch by Eugène Delacroix is a preliminary study for a larger painting, “Hercules Between Virtue and Vice.” Delacroix, a leading figure in the French Romantic movement, was known for his dramatic and expressive compositions. The sketch depicts the Greek hero Hercules (Heracles), who is depicted nude and seated, seemingly caught between two female figures who represent virtue and vice. The figure on the left, holding a staff, represents virtue, while the figure on the right, with her arms outstretched, represents vice. Delacroix uses loose, gestural lines to capture the figures’ movement and the tension of the scene. This preliminary sketch is a fascinating glimpse into Delacroix’s creative process and demonstrates his mastery of drawing.