Camel c. 1827 - 1828

Curator: Immediately I see the weight of the animal, rendered almost tenderly. There's a sadness. Editor: Here we have Eugène Delacroix’s sketch, simply titled "Camel," held in the Harvard Art Museums. It’s a delicate drawing, about 22 by 14 centimeters. Curator: Delacroix, the master of Romanticism, grappling with…camels! It feels so grounded, considering his grander historical paintings. Editor: His trip to North Africa profoundly impacted his artistic practice. He used these sketches as resource material. We might analyze the social implications of artistic tourism here. Curator: For me, it’s the humbleness of the line work that’s appealing. It is the raw feeling of observing and trying to capture the essence of an animal both strong and weary. Editor: Indeed, and considering that he was a painter of action, battle, and historical import, this more intimate portrayal offers interesting commentary on his range as an artist. Curator: It is also a moment of empathy, isn't it? Editor: Certainly, and considering Delacroix's body of work, this intimate study provides a unique insight into the artist’s process. Curator: I’ll certainly be thinking about this for a while.