The artwork titled “Study of Sardanapalus” was created by the renowned artist Eugene Delacroix between 1827 and 1828. This work exemplifies the Romanticism art movement and can be classified within the genre of nude painting (nu). Visitors can admire this piece at the Art Institute of Chicago, in Chicago, Illinois, USA.
In the artwork, Delacroix presents a sensuous study of the human form through a depiction of a reclining nude figure. The figure’s dynamic pose suggests movement and an air of restlessness. The masterful use of flowing lines and gentle shading highlight the curves and musculature of the body, imbuing the piece with a sense of vitality and emotional depth. Delacroix’s skillful draughtsmanship is on full display, capturing the interplay of light and shadow across the subject’s form. This study reflects the Romantic preoccupation with expressiveness, the human condition, and the pursuit of beauty, unshackled by the strictures of conventional society.