National Museum Eugène Delacroix

The Musée National Eugène Delacroix is a fascinating institution dedicated to the memory of one of the greatest artists of the 19th century, Eugène Delacroix. Located at 6 rue de Furstenberg, in the heart of the picturesque Saint-Germain-des-Prés neighborhood in Paris, the museum occupies the last apartment and studio where Delacroix lived and worked until his death in 1863. The museum was founded in 1932 thanks to the initiative of illustrious artists such as Maurice Denis and Paul Signac, members of the Société des Amis d’Eugène Delacroix, who wanted to preserve and honor the legacy of the romantic master. In 2004, the museum was affiliated with the Louvre, thus strengthening its role as a custodian of an invaluable artistic heritage. The building itself is a quiet refuge, away from the city bustle. Entering the Musée Delacroix means immersing oneself in the artist’s intimacy, exploring the spaces where he created his works. The garden, an oasis of peace, offers a picturesque view of the facade of the studio that Delacroix personally decorated according to his tastes. The museum’s collection includes about 1,300 works, including paintings, drawings, engravings, manuscripts, and personal objects. These pieces trace a path through Delacroix’s multifaceted career, as he was not only a painter but also a sculptor, draftsman, and writer. Among the exhibited masterpieces are “Mary Magdalene in the Desert,” a painting greatly admired by Charles Baudelaire, “The Education of the Virgin,” “Romeo and Juliet,” and the fresco “Bacchus with a Tiger.” Delacroix was an artist deeply influenced by literature and his travels. His works reflect inspiration drawn from great authors such as Shakespeare, Goethe, and Byron. His journey to Morocco in 1832 left an indelible mark on his art, leading him to create a series of vibrant works that capture the exotic and chromatic essence of the Arab world. The museum displays an exceptional collection of objects that the artist brought back from that trip, further enriching the understanding of his creativity. The exhibition path is enriched by works of artists who were influenced by or knew Delacroix, including Théodore Géricault, Théodore Chassériau, Édouard Manet, and Henri Fantin-Latour. These contributions highlight the enormous impact that Delacroix had on the artistic scene of his time and beyond. In addition to the permanent collection, the Musée Delacroix organizes temporary exhibitions that explore various aspects of Delacroix’s art and historical context. These exhibitions offer new perspectives on the artist’s work and the romantic period, engaging the public in a continuous dialogue with art history. A fascinating aspect of the Musée Delacroix is its function as a place of reflection and study. The museum’s library preserves numerous manuscripts and documents that testify to Delacroix’s extensive literary production. These writings, published posthumously, offer a privileged glimpse into the artist’s creative mind and working process.