Studies of a Fallen Male Nude for "Hercules and the Horses of Diomedes"

Studies of a Fallen Male Nude for "Hercules and the Horses of Diomedes" is a powerful graphite drawing created by Eugène Delacroix in 1852. Classified as a preparatory study, this piece offers insight into Delacroix's intensive creative process as he developed the dynamic composition for his final oil painting, which illustrates the eighth labor of Hercules.

Executed primarily in dark graphite, the drawing emphasizes line and volume to capture the weight and strained anatomy of the figure. The study focuses intensely on the male nude, rendered in a collapsed or sprawling position that conveys physical exhaustion and the high drama central to the mythological narrative. Delacroix pays meticulous attention to anatomical details, particularly the muscular tension in the torso and limbs.

Within the composition, quick, precise sketches isolate key features, such as the positioning of the hands. These detailed explorations of the hands suggest the figure is either struggling for defense or succumbing to defeat, highlighting the artist's concern for expressive gesture. This dedication to preliminary drafting and the classical treatment of the male nude were essential elements of the French Romantic master's approach to history painting.

Dating from late in the artist’s career, this work confirms Delacroix’s continued engagement with both classical themes and the expressive potential of the human form, showcasing his technical mastery even in a simple medium like graphite. The drawing remains a significant document of the artistic evolution behind the larger mythological subject. This important piece is maintained in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.