Sketches of Horses; verso: Two Greyhounds c. 19th century

Editor: This is "Sketches of Horses" by Eugène Delacroix. It's a pen and ink drawing. It feels incredibly immediate, like we’re catching Delacroix in the act of thinking. What do you see in the composition? Curator: The dynamism is palpable. Note how Delacroix uses line—its varying weight and direction—to suggest form and movement. Observe the economy of means; he captures the essence of the equine form with minimal strokes. Editor: So the energy comes purely from the line itself? Curator: Precisely. Consider how the negative space around the horses contributes to the overall sense of lightness and agility. It’s a study in pure form. Editor: That makes the sketchiness feel deliberate. Curator: Indeed, the form emphasizes the energy. We see the importance of line and form through Delacroix’s mastery of their interplay.