Courtyard with a Fountain is a significant graphite drawing created by Eugène Delacroix in 1832. This work belongs to a critical period immediately following Delacroix’s transformative journey to North Africa, specifically Morocco and Algeria. The trip, undertaken earlier that year, provided the renowned Romantic master with rich visual material that deeply influenced his subsequent output, ushering in his highly celebrated Orientalist period. Unlike the large-scale oil canvases the artist is known for, this detailed drawing served as a crucial visual diary, capturing architectural features and light effects that would inform future paintings. Delacroix’s keen eye for capturing the essence of exotic locales is immediately evident in the composition.
Executed meticulously in graphite, the work focuses on the tranquil geometry of a North African courtyard. The composition centers on a classical fountain structure, its basins providing a clear focal point for the surrounding architecture. Delacroix uses precise, deliberate lines to define the deep shadows often cast by the intense midday sun, lending volume and depth to the enclosed space. The artist’s attention to architectural detail, particularly the arches and the implied textures of the walls often found in traditional courtyards, highlights his dedication to recording atmospheric realism essential for his studio interpretations.
This exceptional drawing is housed in the permanent collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, serving as a key example of Delacroix’s draftsmanship during his peak Orientalist phase. Although preparatory sketches such as this are inherently intimate studies, the enduring legacy of the artist means that images of this work are frequently shared globally. Due to its age and stature, high-resolution images of this piece are often available within the public domain, allowing art enthusiasts and students to study prints and digital reproductions that showcase the complexity of Delacroix’s preliminary methods.
Important: ArtBee makes no warranties about the copyright status of this artwork. To the best of our knowledge, based on information from the source museum, we believe this work is in the public domain.
You are responsible for determining the rights status and securing any permissions needed for your use. Copyright status may vary by jurisdiction. See our License & Usage page and Terms of Service for details.