Four Life Studies

26 kwietnia 1798

Born

1818

Posing for Géricault's "The Raft of the Medusa"

Delacroix posed for Théodore Géricault, who was working on The Raft of the Medusa, and witnessed the birth of the composition that marked the beginning of French Romanticism.

1822

Salon Debut: "The Barque of Dante"

Delacroix's first major painting, The Barque of Dante, was accepted by the Paris Salon of 1822; the work caused a sensation and was purchased by the state for the Luxembourg Galleries.

1824

Success of "The Massacre at Chios" at the Salon

Shown at the Salon of 1824, The Massacre at Chios, devoted to the tragedies of the Greek War of Independence, brought Delacroix genuine success: the authorities recognized him as the leading painter of the new Romantic style, and the painting was bought by the state.

1832

Journey to Spain and North Africa

As part of the diplomatic mission of Charles-Edgar de Mornay, Delacroix traveled to Morocco shortly after the French conquest of Algeria. The journey proved a turning point: he made dozens of sketches, and his impressions of North Africa nourished his art for the rest of his life.

13 sierpnia 1863

Died