Studies of Horses, Hands, and Feet (recto); Studies of Heads and Figures (verso)

Studies of Horses, Hands, and Feet (recto); Studies of Heads and Figures (verso) by Eugène Delacroix, executed between 1817 and 1827, provides a vital window into the artist’s vigorous preparatory methods during his formative Romantic period. Held in the permanent collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, this double-sided sheet demonstrates Delacroix’s mastery across varied drawing techniques essential for his large-scale historical and literary compositions.

The recto is dominated by precise anatomical examinations using pen and brown and iron gall ink. These focused observations include dynamic studies of equine anatomy and rigorous sketches of human hands and feet. Such detailed sectional studies were indispensable for ensuring accuracy and emotional resonance in major works, revealing the artist’s commitment to academic draftsmanship even as he pioneered a more expressive style.

In contrast, the verso features a combination of graphite, pen and iron gall ink, and brush and brown wash to render expressive heads and figures. This mixed media approach allows Delacroix to simultaneously explore contours through sharp lines and define volume through subtle tonal washes. The studies of heads often capture rapid, intense emotional states, anticipating the dramatic figure work that would define his mature career.

The long production span (1817-1827) indicates that Delacroix utilized this sheet repeatedly as a working resource, a practice common among early 19th-century masters. The resulting vitality of line and form underscores the drawing's significance as a cornerstone document of French Romanticism. Today, this masterwork is widely studied, and high-quality prints reflecting its public domain status are frequently reproduced for educational purposes.