Peasant Women from the Region of the Eaux-Bonnes

Peasant Women from the Region of the Eaux-Bonnes is a masterful 1845 work by the seminal Romantic painter Eugène Delacroix French, 1798-1863. This composition is executed primarily in watercolor, enhanced by delicate touches of opaque gouache, over initial traces of graphite sketching. The careful technique employs cream wove paper, which was subsequently laid down onto a secondary support paper for preservation and stability. This layering of media demonstrates Delacroix’s sophisticated handling of works on paper, often blurring the line between preparatory sketch and a finished, vibrant ‘painting.’

The 1845 date places this piece firmly within the mature phase of Delacroix’s career, a period characterized by his deep exploration of regional and exotic subject matter, frequently captured during his travels throughout France and North Africa. The “Region of the Eaux-Bonnes,” located in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques mountains, was a popular source of picturesque inspiration for 19th-century French artists. Delacroix captures the distinctive traditional attire and composed posture of the peasant women, providing an intimate, humanistic glimpse into local customs.

While renowned for his large-scale oils, Delacroix’s expressive watercolors like this one are vital to understanding the breadth of his artistry and his commitment to documenting the world around him. This work is a key example of the French Romantic movement’s interest in documenting specific regional life and identity. This sensitive portrayal reinforces Delacroix's legacy as a foremost figure in French 19th-century art. The work resides in the distinguished collection of the Art Institute of Chicago. As this image falls within the public domain, high-quality prints and reproductions of this significant watercolor are sought after globally.