Duguesclin

The print Duguesclin was created by Eugène Delacroix in 1829. This work is classified as a print, specifically executed as a lithograph with chine collé. This demanding technique involves adhering a thin, usually colored or fragile, sheet of paper to a heavier backing sheet during the printing process, a method frequently used by 19th-century French artists to enhance the subtlety and depth of the printed image.

As a central figure in the French Romantic movement, Delacroix frequently selected subjects rooted in national history, legend, and dramatic narratives. His decision to depict Bertrand du Guesclin, the legendary 14th-century constable of France known for his military leadership during the Hundred Years’ War, aligns perfectly with the era’s fascination with heroic medieval figures and the forging of a strong sense of national identity in France. Although primarily celebrated for his monumental oil paintings, Delacroix was a dedicated and innovative printmaker, actively exploring how lithography could replicate the dramatic contrasts and expressive energy found in his large-scale canvases.

The work captures the expressive quality and dynamic composition characteristic of Delacroix’s mature style. This lithograph exemplifies the artist’s prolific experimentation in the medium, ensuring that even today, the dramatic power of this piece remains clear. As a significant record of the artist's varied technical mastery, the work is held within the esteemed collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. Such historical prints are often made available through public domain initiatives, helping to preserve and distribute the legacy of this Romantic master.