A Tomb and Studies of Windows in the Church of Valmont Abbey (recto); Four Studies of Horses (verso)

A Tomb and Studies of Windows in the Church of Valmont Abbey (recto); Four Studies of Horses (verso) is a highly significant double-sided drawing by Eugène Delacroix, executed between 1829 and 1831. The recto side of the wove paper showcases detailed architectural studies, composed using brush, black and brown ink, and wash applied over initial graphite work. These studies center on a prominent tomb and several distinct window shapes located within the ruined Church of Valmont Abbey in Normandy.

Delacroix employed varied tonal washes to capture the structural weight and the atmospheric decay of the medieval site, reflecting the Romantic era's deep appreciation for history and ruins. The meticulous rendering of the Tombs and Gothic architecture suggests the artist's focused intention during this preparatory study phase.

In marked contrast, the verso of the sheet features four rapid Studies of Horses, executed purely in graphite. Delacroix frequently utilized the reverse of his study paper for quick sketches of figures and animals, demonstrating his constant observation and preparation for future large-scale compositions. These equine studies often served as foundational material for the dynamic, highly expressive battle and Orientalist scenes that characterized his work in the 1830s.

This versatile study sheet offers crucial insights into Delacroix’s prolific working process just prior to his transformative journey to North Africa. The classification of this work as a drawing highlights the artist’s mastery of graphic media. It remains a key piece within the permanent collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and its historical importance means that high-resolution prints of the work are frequently accessed through public domain art initiatives worldwide.