The artwork “The Barque of Dante (after Delacroix)” is a notable work by Paul Cezanne completed in 1870. This oil on canvas painting belongs to the Romanticism movement and can be characterized as a literary painting, which refers to the genre of art that illustrates themes from literature. The piece graciously pays homage to Delacroix and is currently housed in a private collection.
The artwork depicts a dark and tumultuous scene. Dominating the foreground are a group of figures dramatically illuminated, appearing almost spectral against the shadowy backdrop. Central to the composition are two figures shrouded in flowing garments, one in bright red and the other in white with a red detail, possibly representing Dante himself, alongside Virgil from Dante Alighieri’s epic poem “The Divine Comedy.” Their gestures convey emotion and movement, as if caught in an intense moment of their narrative journey. Surrounding them are multiple figures in various states of despair and agitation, some seemingly submerged in the dark waters, which adds to the chaotic and nightmarish quality of the scene. The dark, brooding atmosphere and the vivid portrayal of human expressions are hallmarks of the Romantic era, emphasizing the emotional experience over rationality.
