Combat of Nude Men, after Raphael

The influential Romantic master Eugène Delacroix created Combat of Nude Men, after Raphael sometime between 1818 and 1828. This significant early work is executed in pen and brown ink on tracing paper laid down, a medium that underscores the meticulous nature of Delacroix’s academic studies.

Delacroix executed this drawing as part of his essential artistic training, referencing a celebrated and often-copied design attributed to the High Renaissance master Raphael. The work serves as a dynamic study, focusing intently on the dramatic interplay of Male Nudes grappling in close-quarters Battles. These struggling, muscular figures reflect the academic tradition of copying classical and Renaissance prototypes, a practice fundamental to mastering human anatomy and dramatic tension. By utilizing tracing paper, Delacroix was able to precisely capture the complex torsion, foreshortening, and musculature inherent in the original composition.

Even in this derived piece, the characteristic energy of Delacroix begins to manifest. The rapid, expressive application of the brown ink anticipates the fervor and emotional intensity found in his mature Romantic works, such as The Death of Sardanapalus. The drawing technique provides a rich, warm tonality to the aggressively rendered forms, prioritizing vigor over polished finish.

This important drawing provides insight into the formative years of the artist and his commitment to mastering historical composition. The original study is held in the renowned collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York. Given the historical significance of the masters referenced in Combat of Nude Men, after Raphael, and the age of the work, high-quality prints and reproductions are often made available through resources leveraging public domain content, allowing wide access for students of art history.