Marguerite at the Spinning Wheel, from Faust

Marguerite at the Spinning Wheel, from Faust, created by Eugène Delacroix (French, 1798-1863) in 1828, is a powerful early example of Romantic illustration. This specific iteration is a masterful lithograph, executed in rich black ink on ivory wove paper, showcasing the artist's technical command over graphic media. The lithographic technique, which allowed for expressive line work and dramatic tonal variations, was perfectly suited to capture the emotional depth of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe’s celebrated tragedy, Faust. This piece belongs to a significant series of illustrations that Delacroix undertook, which profoundly influenced subsequent visual interpretations of the German literary work across France and Europe.

The work captures the deeply emotional moment where the young Marguerite, abandoned by Faust, sits isolated at her spinning wheel, consumed by melancholy and despair. Delacroix’s interpretation emphasizes the psychological intensity of the scene, utilizing strong contrasts and dynamic shadows characteristic of French Romanticism. Produced during a period when lithography was rapidly gaining traction as a fine art medium, this print demonstrates why Delacroix was considered the leading artist of his generation in France. The expressive power exhibited in Marguerite at the Spinning Wheel, from Faust helped solidify the artist's reputation beyond painting. Many such prints, which have now entered the public domain, offer valuable insight into Delacroix's engagement with dramatic literary sources. This historically important piece remains part of the esteemed permanent collection of the Art Institute of Chicago, serving as a key example of 19th-century graphic art.