A Moroccan Amir

Delacroix's gallant captain stands proudly in brilliant sunshine within the walls of the Citadel of Tangier, his martial position further emphasised by the cannon in the background. Portrayed in profile, his hawk-like features and alert, watchful stance are distinctive.

Auguste Delacroix (not to be confused with his more famous namesake) became known for his scenes of everyday rural and coastal life set in and around his native Boulogne. Half-way through his career, in about 1849-50, he visited Morocco, and thereafter oriental subjects were included among the paintings he exhibited at the Salon. This watercolour must have been painted during or shortly after his visit to Tangier.