The Abduction of Theophane, after Bartoli (recto); Three Sketches of Theophane's Face (verso)

The Abduction of Theophane, after Bartoli (recto); Three Sketches of Theophane's Face (verso) by Eugène Delacroix is a powerful early drawing executed in pen and brown ink between 1817 and 1827. This study reflects Delacroix’s practice of referencing earlier masters; the main scene, depicted on the recto, is based on an existing work by the Italian draftsman and engraver Pietro Sante Bartoli, likely illustrating a dramatic moment from classical mythology or history. The primary drawing captures the energy and theatricality characteristic of the emerging Romantic movement in France.

The contrasting verso offers a compelling glimpse into the artist’s preparatory process, featuring rapid studies of Theophane’s face. These preliminary sketches, rendered in the same rich brown ink, demonstrate Delacroix’s evolving mastery of expressive line work and dramatic facial rendering, traits that would define his mature style. The duality of the finished study on the recto and the spontaneous sketches on the verso provides important documentation of the young Delacroix’s commitment to academic study combined with his innate dynamism.

Classified as a significant example of French Romantic drawing, this work showcases Delacroix’s early engagement with challenging historical themes. As part of The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s extensive collection, the drawing remains a key resource for understanding the foundations of the artist’s career. Historically significant drawings like this, dating from the early nineteenth century, frequently transition into the public domain, ensuring their study and availability as high-quality reference prints for scholars globally.