Portrait of Lucille Virginie Le Guillou
- Original dimensions
- 38 x 46 cm
- Museum
- national museum Eugène-Delacroix
- Year
- 1840
Scene depicted
This canvas , depicting a woman of radiant grace, exudes an atmosphere filled with intimacy. Lucille's gaze, turned towards the unknown, evokes unwritten stories, buried feelings, and promises. The elegant posture and meticulous details of the clothing illustrate the artist's unparalleled craftsmanship, combining delicacy and expressive power.
Historical context
Created in 1840, this painting was born in Paris, at the heart of a vibrant romantic movement. In an era where emotion took precedence over reason, Eugène Delacroix managed to capture the essence of a beautiful muse with undeniable charm. Currently, the canvas is preserved at the national museum Eugène-Delacroix, an ideal setting for this iconic work .
Place in the artist's career
The Portrait of Lucille Virginie Le Guillou marks an important milestone in Delacroix's career, situated in a phase where the artist explores new emotional dimensions. Alongside works such as “ Liberty Leading the People ” and “ The Massacre at Chios ”, this canvas bears witness to the stylistic evolution towards an increasingly personal romanticism .
Anecdote
“The soul of my art lies in the light of faces,” said Delacroix, inspired by the striking beauty of Lucille Virginie Le Guillou encountered in a secret garden one spring morning. This fleeting moment managed to imbue his painting , infusing an enduring emotional strength into his masterpiece .