"The Swing," after Antoine Watteau (Les Agréements de l'été) by Eugène Delacroix is a preparatory drawing executed in brush and brown wash over graphite on wove paper. This work exemplifies the enduring legacy of the eighteenth-century Rococo movement, as its central figures and lighthearted theme were frequent subjects of study for Romantic artists like Delacroix. Created during the artist's prolific lifetime (1798-1863), this drawing focuses on the movement and interaction of the subjects, translating Watteau’s original vibrant oil colors into a monochrome study of volume and shading.
The composition centers on the figures of men and women engaged in the titular activity, rendered with remarkable fluidity through the application of the brown wash. Delacroix utilizes the technique to define the depth of the setting, with shadows cast by the surrounding foliage providing contrast against the light illuminating the central action. The assured, energetic strokes demonstrate the artist’s commitment to mastering the dynamics of figure composition, even when working in an intimate scale. While Delacroix is famed for his grand Romantic canvases, this piece offers insight into his private artistic exercises and his reverence for the masters who preceded him. This classified drawing resides within the permanent collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. As a historical work of art, this image is increasingly available in the public domain, allowing for the widespread dissemination of high-quality fine art prints for scholars and enthusiasts globally.
Important: ArtBee makes no warranties about the copyright status of this artwork. To the best of our knowledge, based on information from the source museum, we believe this work is in the public domain.
You are responsible for determining the rights status and securing any permissions needed for your use. Copyright status may vary by jurisdiction. See our License & Usage page and Terms of Service for details.