Eugene Delacroix was a famous Orientalist painter who is known for his depictions of the Middle East and Africa. In 1832, during his six-month trip to North Africa and Spain, he created a portrait of Jamila Bouzaglo, which is now known as “Page From The Moroccan Notebook.” This portrait showcases Delacroix’s ability to capture the essence of the places he visited through his distinctive style.
During his travels, Delacroix filled seven sketchbooks with approximately 1,500 sketches. He used these sketches to create artworks that highlighted the beauty and uniqueness of each location he visited. “Page From The Moroccan Notebook” showcases Delacroix’s skill in capturing details through quick sketches with loose lines. The painting features vivid colors and intricate patterns that make it stand out.
Delacroix was prolific throughout his lifetime, creating over 9,000 works that included paintings, watercolors, pastels, and drawings. His depictions of North Africa and Spain influenced Impressionist and Post-Impressionist painting. The portrait of Jamila Bouzaglo shows not just how talented Delacroix was as an artist but also how he used art to convey cultural differences between Europe and the Middle East.
