Portrait of the Sultan of Morocco (1862) by Eugene Delacroix

Portrait of the Sultan of Morocco - Eugene Delacroix - 1862

Artwork Information

TitlePortrait of the Sultan of Morocco
ArtistEugene Delacroix
Date1862
Mediumoil,canvas
Dimensions66 x 56 cm
Art MovementOrientalism

About Portrait of the Sultan of Morocco

The artwork titled “Portrait of the Sultan of Morocco” was created by artist Eugene Delacroix in 1862. It is an oil painting on canvas, measuring 66 x 56 cm, and it is part of the Orientalism art movement. The genre of the artwork is a portrait.

The artwork conveys the grandeur and dignity of its subject, the Sultan of Morocco, who is depicted mounted on horseback. He is centrally placed within the composition, with an aura of authority and poise. The sultan is garbed in traditional, lavish attire that emphasizes his high status and the formality of the occasion. An individual behind the sultan holds a ceremonial parasol, underscoring the sultan’s importance and providing a vibrant pop of red color that contrasts with the blue sky.

Surrounding the sultan are various attendants, soldiers, and subjects, indicating a courtly or ceremonial gathering. The throng of individuals is painted with less detail than the sultan himself, guiding the viewer’s focus to the central figure. The background features architectural structures that further contextualize the scene within the setting of Morocco.

Delacroix’s brushwork imbues the scene with energy and life, while his use of vibrant color adds depth and richness to the portrayal. There is a palpable sense of movement and ambiance in the tableau, suggesting the artist’s capture of a living moment. Delacroix’s travels to North Africa likely informed his aesthetic choices, contributing to an exotic flavor consonant with Orientalist themes. Through the artwork, Delacroix provides a window into the allure of the orient that fascinated European audiences during this period.

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