Studies of Horses 1798 - 1863

Eugène Delacroix created these Studies of Horses with graphite on paper. He was working in France during a period of significant social and political change, including the rise and fall of Napoleon and the subsequent restoration of the monarchy. Delacroix, deeply engaged with Romanticism, was fascinated by movement, emotion, and the power of nature. In these sketches, the horses are not merely animals but vessels of raw energy and untamed spirit. As Delacroix stated, "The first merit of a painting is to be a feast for the eye." Consider the historical context of equestrian imagery. Horses were often symbols of power, wealth, and military might. Here Delacroix appears to be less interested in these traditional associations and more intrigued by capturing their essence through his fluid lines. The sketches evoke a visceral response, connecting us to the animal’s strength and vitality. We are invited to witness and feel the animal’s unbridled energy, a feeling that resonates with the artist’s own passionate spirit.