Eugene Delacroix
Eugene Delacroix (1798-1863), French Romantic painter, whose striking personality was reflected in his works. Influenced by English artists, Delacroix rejected the classical style that dominated French art at the time. His paintings Massacre at Chios (1824) and Death of Sardanapalus (1827) were condemned for their brilliant colouring and violent subject matter. In 1832 he visited North Africa and, inspired by the exotic scenery, produced paintings such as Algerian Women (1834). In the late 1830’s he gained official recognition and was commissioned to paint murals, including the one at the Palace of Versailles (1837).
