Eugène Delacroix: the story on HearLore

Eugène Delacroix

Eugène Delacroix was born on the 26th of April 1798 at Charenton-Saint-Maurice in Seine, near Paris. His mother Victoire Oeben was the daughter of a cabinetmaker named Jean-François Oeben. He had three much older siblings who shaped his early environment. Charles-Henri Delacroix rose to the rank of General in Napoleon's army. Henriette married the diplomat Raymond de Verninac Saint-Maur. A younger brother named Henri was born six years later and died at the Battle of Friedland on the 14th of June 1807. Medical reasons suggest that Eugène's legal father Charles-François Delacroix could not procreate at the time of conception. Talleyrand served as Minister of Foreign Affairs and considered himself the real father. The adult Eugène resembled Talleyrand in both appearance and character. After assuming office as foreign minister, Talleyrand dispatched Charles Delacroix to The Hague as French ambassador. Charles returned to Paris in early September 1797 only to find his wife pregnant. Talleyrand went on to assist Eugène with numerous anonymous commissions throughout his career.

The Color Of Rebellion

Delacroix took inspiration from Rubens and painters of the Venetian Renaissance rather than Neoclassical perfectionism. This approach emphasized color and movement over clarity of outline. His first major painting The Barque of Dante appeared at the Paris Salon of 1822. The work caused a sensation yet was largely derided by public officials. It was purchased by the State for the Luxembourg Galleries despite widespread opposition. Two years later he achieved popular success with The Massacre at Chios. Critics like Antoine-Jean Gros called it "a massacre of art" due to its despairing tone. The pathos of an infant clutching its dead mother had a powerful effect even though some condemned this detail as unfit for art. A viewing of paintings by John Constable prompted Delacroix to make extensive changes to the sky and distant landscape. He produced a second painting supporting the Greeks titled Greece Expiring on the Ruins of Missolonghi which depicted the suicide of Greeks who chose death over surrender.

When and where was Eugène Delacroix born?

Eugène Delacroix was born on the 26th of April 1798 at Charenton-Saint-Maurice in Seine near Paris.

Who is considered the real father of Eugène Delacroix?

Talleyrand served as Minister of Foreign Affairs and considered himself the real father of Eugène Delacroix because medical reasons suggest his legal father could not procreate at the time of conception.

What major painting did Eugène Delacroix create in 1830?

His most influential work came in 1830 with Liberty Leading the People which shows Parisians marching forward under the tricolour banner representing liberty equality and fraternity.

Why did Eugène Delacroix travel to North Africa in 1832?

In 1832 Eugène Delacroix traveled to Spain and North Africa as part of a diplomatic mission to Morocco to escape civilization in hopes of seeing a more primitive culture.

Where are the frescoes by Eugène Delacroix located today?

From 1857 to 1861 Eugène Delacroix worked on frescoes for the Chapelle des Anges at the Church of Saint-Sulpice in Paris including Jacob Wrestling with the Angel and Saint Michael Slaying the Dragon.

When did Eugène Delacroix die and where is he buried?

Eugène Delacroix died on the 13th of August 1863 and was buried in Père Lachaise Cemetery in Paris after suffering from a severe throat infection during the winter of 1862 63.

Eugène Delacroix

The Color Of Rebellion

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Common questions

When and where was Eugène Delacroix born?

Who is considered the real father of Eugène Delacroix?

What major painting did Eugène Delacroix create in 1830?

Why did Eugène Delacroix travel to North Africa in 1832?

Where are the frescoes by Eugène Delacroix located today?

When did Eugène Delacroix die and where is he buried?

Liberty And The People

The Moroccan Journey

Murals And The Church

Music And The Soul

The Final Winter