The Night After the Battle of Waterloo
- Original dimensions
- 56 x 48 cm
- Museum
- Mesdag Collection
- Year
- 1825
Scene depicted
In this canvas , Delacroix depicts the tumult of events that followed the Battle of Waterloo, thus signing a painting filled with dramatic tension. Tormented figures among the debris of war, surrounded by the darkness of a heavy night, emanate profound sadness and reflection on the human condition. The artist captures the despair and oppressive silence that ensue after a fierce conflict, rendering this moment both tragic and poignant.
Historical context
Artwork: The Night After the Battle of Waterloo |BRK| Artist: Eugène Delacroix |BRK| Year: 1825 |BRK| Museum: Mesdag Collection |BRK| Dimensions: 56 x 48 cm |BRK|
Place in the artist's career
“The Night After the Battle of Waterloo” represents one of the culminations of Delacroix's career, a moment when his technical mastery reaches its peak. Alongside paintings such as “ Liberty Leading the People ” and “ The Massacre at Chios ”, we observe the evolution from intense emotion to palpable humanity, each painting marking a crucial step in his artistic exploration.
Anecdote
“Every color has a soul that mingles with human emotions.” Thus says Eugène Delacroix , immersed one early morning in his thoughts after studying the effects of light on the battle-scarred landscape. A wave of inspiration allowed him to capture the melancholy and tragedy that permeate this work , making this painting indelible in the hearts of its admirers.