Study of Thirteen Figures from the Antique (recto); Study of a Family, traced from the recto (verso)

The Study of Thirteen Figures from the Antique (recto); Study of a Family, traced from the recto (verso) by Eugène Delacroix, executed between 1817 and 1827, is a significant early drawing rendered in pen and iron gall ink. This double-sided work reveals the young artist's academic rigor and commitment to mastering classical form, foundational training essential for any history painter of the era. The recto displays numerous figures, likely copied directly from Roman reliefs or sculptural casts, a standard practice during the rigorous education of Romantic and Neoclassical artists. Delacroix employed sharp, energetic strokes, characteristic of his developing draughtsmanship, capturing the intricate drapery and heroic poses required for large-scale historical compositions.

The verso presents a fascinating technical insight: a detailed study of a family group carefully traced from the figures originally established on the recto composition. This practice of tracing and repetition allowed Delacroix to refine poses and reuse compositional elements efficiently in his preparatory work. The robust use of pen and iron gall ink, known for its permanence and tendency to darken, lends a rich, indelible quality to the lines in this early study. Created during the pivotal years when Delacroix was moving beyond strict academic teaching toward his signature Romantic expression, this drawing encapsulates the transition toward the dramatic vitality that would define his later career. This drawing is an important piece of documentation related to Delacroix's working methods and is held in the renowned collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.