Théâtre Italien

Eugène Delacroix|Charles Motte

1821 · Lithograph; only state · Drawings and Prints

Published in the new liberal daily "Le Miroir," this satirical lithograph holds up the Théâtre Italien in Paris, embodied here by the composer Gioacchino Rossini, as an admirable exemplar of the modern. His pockets stuffed with scores, Rossini adopts a stable, wide-legged stance as he balances his three best-known characters: Figaro, Rosina, and Othello. The commentary that accompanied the print poked fun at Delacroix for publishing it anonymously, while complimenting his drawing as one of "uncommon boldness" that was "biting and witty."

Artist

Eugène Delacroix|Charles Motte

Date

1821

Medium

Lithograph; only state

Department

Drawings and Prints

Credit line

Purchase, Karen B. Cohen Gift, 2004