Eugene Delacroix created a small, religious painting titled “Pieta” around 1850. The scene portrays only two figures with Christ slumped over in darkness. This simplified version of the deposition of Christ was based on drawings and watercolor studies made by Delacroix himself. The medium used is oil on canvas, and it is currently located at The National Museum of Art, Architecture and Design in Oslo.
Delacroix’s reputation as the greatest painter of the Romantic period lends to the significance of his work. While the painting has been dubbed “Pietà ,” it is actually a unique interpretation that bears no resemblance to Michelangelo’s Pietà sculpture or other famous depictions using this theme. In fact, Vincent van Gogh based his own portrayal on a lithograph of Delacroix’s piece.
Overall, Delacroix’s Pieta serves as an example of his excellence in religious art that remains relevant today for its distinctive representation and expert execution.