Sheet of Nine Antique Coins

The Sheet of Nine Antique Coins is a significant lithograph created by Eugène Delacroix in 1825. This particular impression represents the highly refined fourth state out of five, demonstrating the artist’s meticulous adjustments during the complex printing process. As a printmaker, Delacroix embraced lithography, a versatile medium popular in the Romantic period, allowing him to quickly reproduce detailed drawings for distribution and study.

The composition is a rigorous examination of classical numismatics, showcasing nine distinct profiles derived from ancient coinage. Delacroix’s intent was likely to build an accurate visual reference library, integrating intricate details of history and antiquity into his larger narrative paintings. Each coin meticulously depicts the head of a man in profile, likely portraying emperors or deities, alongside detailed engravings that sometimes include subtle renderings of horses or associated symbols. This careful attention to the accuracy of antique forms underscores the foundational role of classical studies in the French Romantic movement.

Delacroix, recognized as one of the great draftsmen of the 19th century, frequently used these technical prints to explore visual problems and historical authenticity. The enduring quality of these prints makes them valuable artifacts for understanding the artist's preparatory methods. This lithograph currently resides in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, serving as a critical example of the preparatory works created by the master. Prints derived from the Metropolitan's extensive collection are often made available through public domain initiatives, ensuring widespread access to Delacroix's foundational studies.