Figures in Medieval Costume (Tracings from the "Nuremberg Chronicle")

Figures in Medieval Costume (Tracings from the "Nuremberg Chronicle") by Eugène Delacroix is a preparatory drawing created during the crucial formative period of the artist’s career, dated between 1817 and 1827. This work, executed primarily in graphite on tracing paper, which has been carefully laid down onto a secondary support for preservation, illustrates Delacroix’s academic dedication to historical sources. The drawing consists of meticulous tracings derived directly from the woodcut illustrations within the famous Nuremberg Chronicle (1493), a landmark historical text. By copying these prints, Delacroix studied not only the figural composition but also the specific historical accuracy of costume and posture.

The careful replication focuses on several isolated standing figures, including detailed studies of men and women in the medieval dress depicted in the original volume. Delacroix utilized this drawing to establish a reliable visual reference library, allowing him to integrate authentic period details into his future large-scale historical paintings. The practice of tracing historically significant imagery, especially from sources that are now often considered part of the public domain, was essential for Romantic artists seeking historical veracity.

This precise graphite drawing showcases Delacroix’s early technique and commitment to narrative research. The work resides in the permanent collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, providing insight into the foundation of one of the 19th century’s most important artistic careers. The continued circulation of high-quality prints of the original Chronicle highlights the enduring influence of these sources on artistic study, a legacy directly exemplified by this early drawing.