Study of a Horse (c. 1820-30)

Ferdinand Victor Eugène Delacroix (26 April 1798 – 13 August 1863) was a leading French Romantic artist whose influence was instrumental in shaping the movement from its inception. Delacroix gained widespread acclaim for his bold use of color, expressive brushstrokes, and dramatic compositions, which set his work apart from the prevailing neoclassical style of his era.

He is most renowned for his celebrated masterwork "Liberty Leading the People" (1830), an evocative political painting that has become an emblem of the French Revolution's spirit. Over the course of his career, Delacroix drew on literature, historical episodes, and his travels for inspiration—most notably his expedition to North Africa, which deeply influenced both his choice of subjects and his use of color.

Delacroix's paintings were lauded for their emotional power and vivid visual detail, often depicting scenes of passion, conflict, and heroism. His theoretical writings on color and technique also left a lasting mark on succeeding generations of artists, particularly the Impressionists.

Throughout the 19th century, Eugène Delacroix held a central place in French art. His enduring legacy marks him as one of the quintessential figures of the Romantic period in European painting, with numerous works now exhibited in major museums worldwide.