The Figure of Religion (recto/verso)

The Figure of Religion (recto/verso), executed by Eugène Delacroix between 1820 and 1821, is a significant early drawing by the master of French Romanticism, offering crucial insights into his preparatory processes. The primary side (recto) is rendered using pen and brush with iron gall ink, yielding a deep, saturated black line that defines a powerful allegorical female figure. This study, characterized by its dynamic pose and exploration of the female nude form, likely served as initial visualization for a larger composition centered on religious themes or salvation. The figure’s implied connection to the iconography of the Cross positions the work within Delacroix’s broader engagement with historical and spiritual subjects during this foundational phase of his career.

The reverse side (verso) reveals further compositional exploration, executed with pen and iron gall ink layered over a preparatory graphite sketch. These working studies demonstrate Delacroix’s meticulous approach to anatomy and composition, highlighting the intensive draughtsmanship that underpinned his dramatic, emotive Romantic style. As one of the most celebrated and prolific draftsmen of the 19th century, Delacroix often utilized such dual-sided drawings to rapidly develop and refine his ideas.

This powerful drawing is a key component of the esteemed collection at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. The integrity of the piece, particularly the demanding technique using iron gall ink, underscores the fragility and importance of original artworks. However, high-quality digital reproductions of this historical work are often found in public domain archives, allowing students and enthusiasts worldwide to study the foundational skill of Delacroix's early period through accessible prints.