Illustrations for Faust: Faust in his dressing-room

"Illustrations for Faust: Faust in his dressing-room" by Eugène Delacroix, created in 1828, is a pivotal example of early French Romantic lithography. This print belongs to a renowned series of 17 images commissioned to illustrate the first part of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe's dramatic poem, Faust. Delacroix, a key figure in 19th-century French art, executed these works at a pivotal moment, responding to the immense European fascination with the literary classic.

The scene captures the protagonist, the aging scholar Faust, in the intimate and solitary setting of his dressing room, contemplating his fate before his transformative pact. Delacroix’s mastery of the lithograph medium, a versatile form of printmaking, was crucial for conveying the intense psychological state of the subject. The dense shadows and dramatic chiaroscuro inherent in the lithographic process intensify the sense of unease and isolation surrounding the character. Delacroix’s graphic interpretations brought a raw, emotional intensity to Goethe's narrative, establishing him as a foremost illustrator of the era.

These influential prints were highly praised by Goethe himself and cemented Delacroix's reputation across Europe. The success of the series demonstrated the power of the published print portfolio to disseminate new artistic and Romantic ideas throughout France and beyond. This specific lithograph, Illustrations for Faust: Faust in his dressing-room, is held in the comprehensive collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art, allowing scholars and the public access to this important work, which is frequently cited in studies of 19th-century graphic arts and related public domain holdings.