Illustrations for Faust: Méphistophélés in the tavern of the students

"Illustrations for Faust: Méphistophélés in the tavern of the students" by Eugène Delacroix, created in 1828, is a highly dramatic example of the artist's lithographic work and his profound engagement with Johann Wolfgang von Goethe's epic tragedy, Faust. Delacroix's series of Faust illustrations were foundational to his career, demonstrating his mastery of printmaking and his adherence to the themes of spiritual turmoil and high drama central to French Romanticism.

This work captures the scene in Auerbach's Cellar, where the demon Méphistophélès has infiltrated the boisterous drinking session of the students. Delacroix utilized the inherent tonal capabilities of the lithograph process to establish an intense contrast between light and shadow. The technique allows for fluid, almost painterly textures that underscore the energetic movement of the figures and the sense of revelry suddenly interrupted by the satanic presence. The composition is dynamic, employing bold lines and deep blacks to highlight the central figure of the demon, whose sinister demeanor contrasts with the drunken abandonment of the young men.

Produced in 1828, the illustration is representative of 19th-century French culture's fascination with literary and supernatural subjects. As a lithograph, this classification of prints allowed for greater distribution, making Delacroix's interpretation of Faust widely influential throughout the arts. This powerful piece, reflective of the artist's reputation as a leading figure in the Romantic movement, is housed in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.