Seven Studies of Moroccan Men's Costume

Seven Studies of Moroccan Men's Costume is a crucial work by Eugène Delacroix, created in 1832 during his pivotal journey to North Africa. Classified as a drawing, this piece was executed masterfully using quick applications of watercolor over preliminary graphite sketches. Delacroix undertook this voyage as part of the French diplomatic mission to Sultan Moulay Abd al-Rahman, recognizing the unique opportunity to capture an unfamiliar world firsthand. The urgency of documenting his observations is evident in the spontaneous yet precise application of the watercolor medium, used here to rapidly capture color, light, and form.

The work features seven distinct renderings, primarily focusing on the elaborate and varied details of men’s costumes worn in Morocco. Delacroix meticulously recorded differences in headwear, sashes, and outer garments, utilizing the delicate washes of color to differentiate textures and materials like wool and silk. These precise costume studies served as indispensable reference material upon his return to Paris, informing grander studio compositions that helped define the Romantic Orientalist movement. The vibrant details captured in this sheet reflect the artistic energy generated by his encounters with early 19th-century Moroccan daily life.

As a cornerstone of Delacroix’s travel sketches, this important piece showcases his profound observational skill and his commitment to visual authenticity. The work is preserved within the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Because of its historical status, the drawing is often available through public domain resources, allowing for widespread study and analysis of these foundational watercolors by Delacroix.