The Wild Horse, or Frightened Horse Leaving the Water

The Wild Horse, or Frightened Horse Leaving the Water by Eugène Delacroix, created in 1828, captures the raw energy and dramatic intensity characteristic of the Romantic movement in France. This compelling print utilizes the lithograph medium, allowing the artist to achieve rich tonal variations and a sense of immediacy often compared to rapid sketching. The focus on the untamed nature of the animal exemplifies Delacroix's fascination with powerful, dynamic subjects far removed from classical composure.

Delacroix frequently turned to lithography during this period, appreciating its potential for texture and atmosphere, which enhanced the emotive quality of the subject matter. Unlike traditional etching, the lithograph process facilitated bolder contrasts and softer gradations of gray, perfectly suited for rendering the terrified musculature and wet hide of the horse. The depiction emphasizes violent motion, with the creature rearing dramatically as it exits the water, its mane flying and eyes wide with panic, suggesting an unseen environmental danger that triggers its flight.

This powerful portrayal highlights why Delacroix often centered animals in his compositions, using them as symbols of psychological distress or unleashed passion. As a graphic print from 1828, this work played a vital role in disseminating the artist's intense Romantic aesthetic across France. It remains a key piece in understanding Delacroix’s mastery of graphic art, reflecting his dedication to movement and expressive form. This significant print is currently maintained within the permanent collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.