Mephistopheles Receiving the Student, from Faust

Mephistopheles Receiving the Student, from Faust by Eugène Delacroix (French, 1798-1863), is a dramatic print created in 1828, capturing a pivotal moment from Johann Wolfgang von Goethe's influential epic tragedy. This work was conceived as part of an acclaimed series of lithographic illustrations, which greatly contributed to Delacroix's reputation as a central figure in the flourishing Romantic movement in France.

The work showcases the artist’s expressive drawing style, perfectly suited to the directness of the lithograph medium. This specific impression is rendered in rich black ink on delicate, light gray China paper, which was subsequently laid down onto a supportive sheet of white wove paper for stability. This meticulous method underscores the high value placed on printmaking as a serious artistic discipline in the early 19th century.

Delacroix often drew inspiration from literary sources, and his dynamic interpretation of the cynical, demonic Mephistopheles meeting the wide-eyed, unsuspecting student reflects the high emotional intensity characteristic of French Romanticism. Although executed early in his career, the print demonstrates Delacroix’s masterful use of light and shadow to heighten the narrative tension and psychological depth. As a foundational work in the history of Romantic prints, this piece is permanently housed in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago, making the study of Mephistopheles Receiving the Student accessible to scholars and the public domain through high-resolution reproductions.