Eugene Delacriox

Delacriox was born in Charenton on April 26^th, 1798.  They believe that his mother’s husband isn’t actually his real father, that it might be Talleyrand a family friend.  In 1805 his father died then in 1814 his mother died, leaving him an orphan.  Therefore Talleyrand was the only one there to help take care of him.  In 1825 a trip to England brings Delacriox into the painting style of Romanticism.  He received many commissions to decorate buildings in Paris.  In his later years he didn’t make any new art pieces.  From 1834 to August 13^th, 1863, he was cared for by his housekeeper because he was in such a fragile state of being.

Romanticism—is a type of art that emphasizes strong emotions such as fear and terror

Delacriox fits into this art period because his paintings show fear of what is going on in the world; awe of a certain situation that is being portrayed; and dark, creepy scenes.

This picture is called Mephistopheles Flying Over Wittenberg and it shows this period of art very well.

It's showing an evil looking creature with wings making it appear to be a demonic angel of sorts.  It brings out the emotions of the people looking at it by making them fear the creature flying over the town.  Makes them think about what all the creature could be, doesn't full out give what that creature is.  The wings give the impression that it may or may not be evil, but might in turn be a sort of good thing.  However, it also shows some terror for the people who might be in the town.

This picture is called A Young Tiger Playing With Its Mother which does fit this time period in a couple of drawn out ways.

For one it shows you the tigers which most people fear and think are powerful and harmful creatures.  They are playing, but in a way the young tiger looks vicious and evil.  When people think of this picture they could picture themselves there which would invoke terror into them by 'being' in the presence of the tigers.

For more on romanticism: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Romanticism

For more of a biography on Eugene Delacriox: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eug%C3%A8ne_Delacroix

~*Ashley Sharp*~