Studies of Greco-Roman Sculpture

Studies of Greco-Roman Sculpture, created by Eugène Delacroix between 1833 and 1838, is a significant example of preparatory drawing housed in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Executed entirely in graphite, this classification of drawing allowed the celebrated Romantic artist to hone his skills in representing three-dimensional form and classical anatomy. The work comprises several detailed sketches, likely derived from museum casts or originals encountered during Delacroix’s extensive travels and academic training.

Although Delacroix is famed for his vibrant use of color and emotional narrative, drawings like this underline the traditional academic foundation necessary for a master painter. The application of graphite varies from precise outline to modulated shading, defining the contours of heads, torsos, and limbs copied from antiquity. The studies showcase Delacroix’s keen interest in capturing the structure and muscular tension idealized in classical sculpture, which informed his dramatic figure compositions throughout his career.

As works on paper often reveal the intimate working methods of the artist, Studies of Greco-Roman Sculpture provides insight into the disciplined practice underlying Delacroix’s powerful expressionism. The drawing, maintained in excellent condition, remains an important artifact for scholars studying 19th-century drawing techniques and the persistent influence of the classical ideal on Romantic painters. This piece is part of the extensive Delacroix holdings within The Met. Given its age and cultural significance, high-quality digital prints of this influential study are often available in the public domain, allowing global accessibility to the foundation of Delacroix’s artistic genius.