The Ghost on the Terrace (Act I, Scene V)

The Ghost on the Terrace (Act I, Scene V) by Eugène Delacroix, created in 1843, is a pivotal example of French Romantic printmaking. Rendered as a lithograph, this piece exemplifies Delacroix’s mastery of graphic technique, allowing him to achieve intense tonal variations and dramatic atmospheric effects crucial to the expression of emotional narrative. The classification of the work within a Portfolio indicates its intended role as part of a curated series of prints, likely designed for widespread circulation among connoisseurs of the period.

The technique of lithography, which involves drawing directly onto a stone or plate, was heavily favored by artists during the 19th century because it allowed for a fluid, painterly quality unmatched by earlier etching methods. Delacroix uses the medium’s capacity for rich blacks and subtle gray washes to emphasize the confrontation suggested by the title, isolating the figures against the stark backdrop of the terrace architecture. The implied narrative, referenced by the specific act and scene designation, suggests a literary or theatrical source, aligning with the Romantic movement’s profound interest in dramatic, highly individualized subject matter.

Created during the productive period spanning 1826 to 1850, this artwork is central to understanding the aesthetic shift in French culture away from neoclassicism toward intense subjectivity. Delacroix was a leading proponent of this shift, utilizing expressive intensity whether working in oil or in prints. This piece contributes significantly to the visual record of 19th-century prints and is presently housed in the permanent collection of the National Gallery of Art. As high-quality prints and related works often enter public domain accessibility, this lithograph remains a vital resource for scholars studying the career of the artist and the development of graphic arts.