Sketches of Tigers and Men in 16th Century Costume

Sketches of Tigers and Men in 16th Century Costume by Eugène Delacroix French, 1798-1863, is a compelling example of the Romantic master's exploratory draftsmanship. Created between 1825 and 1830, this drawing reflects Delacroix’s profound interest in dramatic historical subject matter and exotic animalia, themes central to French Romantic art of the period. The work offers an intimate glimpse into the artist's preparatory methods, a core element in understanding his transition toward monumental canvases.

The composite nature of this drawing showcases Delacroix’s experimental approach to media. Executed primarily using watercolor, pen and iron gall ink, and graphite on ivory laid paper, the piece utilizes subtle washes combined with sharp, defined ink lines to capture dynamic motion. The original laid paper contains visible blue fibers and has naturally discolored over nearly two centuries to a uniform buff tone. The subject juxtaposes wild, powerful tigers alongside figures costumed in elaborate 16th-century attire, suggesting preparatory studies for a larger history painting or literary illustration. The vivid depiction of the tigers demonstrates the intensive observation Delacroix later pursued through studies of big cats kept in the menageries around France.

As a leading figure of 19th-century French art, Delacroix often utilized these preliminary sketches to work out complex compositional and narrative challenges before executing the final oil painting. The piece remains an important record of his artistic process, demonstrating the vibrancy achievable even in foundational studies. This significant drawing is housed in the permanent collection of the Art Institute of Chicago, where it serves as a critical reference for scholars studying the development of Romanticism. For institutions and collectors, high-quality prints derived from this essential drawing often become available, extending the appreciation for Delacroix's foundational work.