Fir Tree

The drawing Fir Tree by Eugène Delacroix is an intimate study executed in graphite between 1850 and 1859, demonstrating the artist’s continued engagement with natural forms late in his career. The technique, characterized by light, precise graphite lines, captures the texture and structure of the conifer. Unlike his highly finished oil canvases, this piece foregrounds the immediacy of observation, using quick, directional shading to suggest volume and shadow rather than fully rendering the subject. The focus is strictly on the tree itself, isolating the form against the empty paper to emphasize its solitary presence and organic complexity.

As a key exponent of the Romantic movement, Delacroix frequently used drawing as a fundamental tool for both preparatory studies for larger works and as independent exercises in perception. The execution of this drawing dates from the final decade of the artist’s life, a period often marked by intense introspection and attention to detail. This work provides valuable insight into Delacroix’s working methods and his sustained practice of sketching from nature. Currently held within the extensive collection of drawings and prints at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, this delicate study remains significant for art historians. Due to its age and historical importance, high-resolution images are often placed in the public domain, allowing enthusiasts access to view and obtain fine art prints of the master’s technique.