Théâtre Italien (Gioacchino Rossini, 1792–1868)
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.
Artwork Details
- Title: Théâtre Italien (Gioacchino Rossini, 1792–1868)
- Artist: Eugène Delacroix (French, Charenton-Saint-Maurice 1798–1863 Paris)
- Date: 1821
- Medium: Graphite with brush and brown wash; red chalk applied to verso for image transfer
- Dimensions: sheet: 10 1/2 x 7 1/2 in. (26.6 x 19 cm)
- Classification: Drawings
- Credit Line: Purchase, Karen B. Cohen Gift, 2004
- Object Number: 2004.197
- Curatorial Department: Drawings and Prints
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