Study of a Woman, Viewed from the Back (Étude de femme vue de dos)

Study of a Woman, Viewed from the Back (Étude de femme vue de dos) by Eugène Delacroix, created in 1833, is an intimate yet powerful example of the French Romantic master’s work in the graphic arts. Produced through the etching process, this print demonstrates Delacroix’s facility with line and shadow, skills he utilized to great effect during the dynamic period spanning 1826 to 1850. While known primarily for his expansive canvases and dramatic use of color, the practice of printmaking allowed Delacroix to explore figure studies with spontaneity, serving as essential preparation for his larger narrative paintings.

The composition focuses tightly on the figure of a woman seen from behind, providing a detailed anatomical study of the shoulders, back, and the subtle contours of the waist. The pose is dynamic, suggesting a moment of movement or contemplation, characteristic of the Romantic era’s emphasis on capturing transient human emotion and gesture. Delacroix employed the etching needle to create a variety of tonal effects: precise, delicate lines describe the edge of the figure, contrasting sharply with heavier cross-hatching used to define volume and deepen shadows around the back and in the lower drapery. This handling of light and dark ensures the figure maintains a three-dimensional presence despite the simplicity of the setting.

As one of the most celebrated figures in French art history, Delacroix used prints not only as preparatory works but also as a means of disseminating his influential artistic style. This particular type of figure study exemplifies the artist’s dedication to mastering human form, a foundational element underpinning his complex compositions. This historically significant work is currently held in the permanent collection of the National Gallery of Art, Washington D.C., where it contributes to the museum's robust holdings of early nineteenth-century European prints. Due to its status and age, this etching is frequently cited in art historical reference, and high-quality reproductions are often available within the public domain for researchers globally.