Milton dictating to his daughters his epic poem, "Paradise Lost"
- Original dimensions
- 64.5 x 80.5 cm
- Museum
- Kunsthaus Zurich
- Year
- 1827
Scene depicted
This striking painting depicts the famous poet John Milton, guiding his daughters through the powerful verses of his literary masterpiece, "Paradise Lost." Emanating an atmosphere of devotion and transmission, Delacroix captures the fusion of poetic language with family dynamics, transcending time and space.
Historical context
Created in 1827, this painting is emblematic of the Romantic movement, where passion and the expression of emotions prevail. It is at the Kunsthaus Zurich that this canvas and its timeless brilliance are preserved, offering a true immersion in the history of art.
Place in the artist's career
"Milton dictating to his daughters his epic poem, 'Paradise Lost'" marks a pivotal period in Delacroix's career, highlighting his penchant for dramatic expression. At this time, he also painted " Liberty Leading the People " and " The Massacre at Chios ", works that showcase the evolution of his technique and the depth of his themes.
Anecdote
Delacroix once confided: "Art is the reflection of our soul." This moment of inspiration is said to have occurred one winter morning when he was walking in a frozen garden, caught between the beauty of nature and the grandeur of literature. This emotion is found in the evocative power of "Milton dictating to his daughters his epic poem, 'Paradise Lost'."