Mephistopheles in the Air

Mephistopheles in the Air is a compelling graphic work by Eugène Delacroix, created in 1828. This important print, classified as a lithograph in black on delicate chine collé, showcases the artist's intense engagement with literary themes that defined the French Romantic period spanning 1826 to 1850. Delacroix’s mastery of the lithographic medium allowed him to achieve dramatic tonal variations and deep atmospheric effects, perfectly suited to the macabre subject matter.

The lithograph relates directly to Delacroix’s renowned series of illustrations for Johann Wolfgang von Goethe's dramatic masterpiece, Faust. Throughout the late 1820s, Delacroix dedicated significant effort to visualizing the drama’s key moments, resulting in prints characterized by movement, expressive figures, and high contrast. In Mephistopheles in the Air, Delacroix captures the demonic figure of Mephistopheles suspended dynamically amidst stormy clouds, emphasizing his sinister nature and utilizing the full expressive potential of the black ink. The composition is highly theatrical, relying on the contrast between areas of dense shadow and sharply rendered highlights to define the figure and imply motion through the air.

This series was pivotal in establishing Delacroix’s international reputation as a leading interpreter of literary subjects and cemented his status as a central figure in the French artistic landscape. The popularity of these prints also demonstrated the growing importance of lithography as an independent artistic medium, moving beyond its initial use solely for reproductive purposes. This specific impression, dating to 1828, offers critical insight into the printmaking techniques of the period and resides within the permanent collection of the National Gallery of Art. The work remains a vital reference point for studying Romantic prints and the artistic influence of Faust during the nineteenth century.