Weislingen Captured by Götz’s Men 1853

Eugène Delacroix likely made this painting with oil paints on canvas. The brushwork is loose, creating a sense of drama and immediacy. In terms of materiality, the build-up of paint is quite evident, with thick impasto in areas like the horses’ manes and the foliage. Notice that Delacroix used the qualities of the oil paint to convey texture and movement. The colors are rich and vibrant, capturing the intensity of the scene. The way Delacroix applies the paint – gestural and expressive – reflects the Romantic movement’s emphasis on emotion and individualism. The painting’s dynamism speaks to a tradition of history painting. It’s a far cry from the smooth, polished surfaces of academic art; here, it is all about the energy of the making process and how this contributes to the finished piece.