la liberté guidant le peuple c. 1830

Eugène Delacroix made this oil on paper sketch of Liberty Leading the People, using quick, gestural brushstrokes. The materiality here isn't about careful rendering, but capturing the energy of a historical moment. The sketch is all about speed and immediacy, which reflects the urgency and chaos of revolution. The rough texture and visible brushwork contribute to the raw emotional impact. Instead of polished refinement, Delacroix prioritizes the act of making. We can see his hand at work, layering paint to build up the composition. This direct approach challenges the traditional hierarchy between sketch and finished painting. It values the process of exploration and the artist's individual expression. The materiality here becomes a powerful tool for conveying the spirit of revolution, blurring the lines between fine art and the more immediate, expressive qualities often associated with craft. The painting is about working class revolution, and its style feels revolutionary too.