Théâtre Italien (Gioacchino Rossini, 1792–1868)

Eugène Delacroix

1821 · Graphite with brush and brown wash; red chalk applied to verso for image transfer · Drawings and Prints

The reverse side of this caricature of the Italian composer Rossini is covered in red chalk, providing evidence of its transfer to the lithographic stone. The commentary that accompanied the print in the French daily "Le Miroir" poked fun at Delacroix for publishing it anonymously, while complimenting his drawing as one of "uncommon boldness" that was "biting and witty." Although he did not sign his satirical prints, they demonstrate Delacroix’s early objection to the dominance of the neoclassical aesthetic. His later work extended the same protest stylistically.

Artist

Eugène Delacroix

Date

1821

Medium

Graphite with brush and brown wash; red chalk applied to verso for image transfer

Department

Drawings and Prints

Credit line

Purchase, Karen B. Cohen Gift, 2004