Mlle. Alexandrine-Julie de la Boutraye c. 1832 - 1834

Eugène Delacroix painted this portrait of Mlle. Alexandrine-Julie de la Boutraye with oil on canvas. Delacroix’s brushstrokes are quite visible, especially in the background. He builds up layers of paint to create a sense of depth, which is also enhanced by his skillful use of light and shadow. Notice how the light catches the edges of her dress, and the way it illuminates her face. The visible brushwork reminds us that this isn't just a depiction of a person, but a crafted object. Delacroix was working at a time when painting was transitioning from a craft-based activity to something closer to what we think of as fine art today. Artists were beginning to explore their individual styles, and to push the boundaries of what painting could be. But even as he embraced this new freedom, Delacroix never forgot the importance of mastering his materials, and of honing his skills through years of practice. He had to balance the new ideal of artistic self-expression with an older tradition of trained expertise.