Weislingen attacked by Goetz's Men

"Weislingen attacked by Goetz's Men" by Eugène Delacroix is a powerful lithograph, executed between 1836 and 1843. This specific impression is designated as the second state of two, demonstrating Delacroix's technical proficiency and mastery of the print medium. As a leading figure in the French Romantic movement, Delacroix frequently sought subjects that allowed for intense dramatic action and high emotional stakes, often turning to historical dramas and literature for inspiration.

The work vividly captures a brutal scene of conflict derived from Johann Wolfgang von Goethe's 1773 play, Goetz von Berlichingen. The lithograph depicts the climax of the confrontation, where the treacherous Weislingen is overwhelmed by the followers of the hero, Goetz. The composition is highly dynamic, featuring a violent tangle of struggling Men and charging Horses amidst the heat of battle. The prominence of Weapons and the atmosphere of immediate Wars underscore the Romantic fascination with medieval violence and passionate, chaotic encounters. Delacroix utilizes the inherent contrasts of the lithographic technique to emphasize the movement and ferocity, generating deep shadows that heighten the emotional tension of the scene.

Delacroix created numerous influential prints throughout his career, expanding his narrative reach beyond painting and oil sketches. This notable lithograph classifies as one of the significant graphic works created by the artist during the mid-19th century. The piece currently resides in the comprehensive collection of prints at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York. Reflecting its historical importance, images of this work are frequently available within public domain art collections, making the dramatic vision of Delacroix widely accessible for scholars studying Romanticism and historical prints.