Rook Dante, Eugene Delacroix, 1822

Description of the picture:

Rook Dante – Eugene Delacroix. 1822. Oil on canvas. 189×246

   The massive and decisive beginning of the artist’s creative career, this work was accepted not only by beginning young romantics, but also by recognized masters of the academic school. The young creator with awareness accepted the criticism of the venerable, recognizing the imperfection of the drawing and the weak "picturesque power". But the creator himself liked the work, the audience was enthusiastic about innovation, criticism without special enthusiasm, but also accepted the work.

   A creative interpretation of one of the most fascinating subjects of world literature, a revolutionary interpretation of signs, frank borrowing of techniques from the masters of the Renaissance – all together made the work catchy, juicy and innovative.

   Through the Stygian swamp lies the path of Dante and Virgil. Furious, condemned to endless torment in the swamp, they try to seep into the boat with all their strength, return to the world of the living. The torment of vicious souls is depicted in the best traditions of sensual baroque. But the figures of the main characters are faster close to the traditional canons.

   Blurry pattern faster "working" on the idea of ​​work. It is as if the passions themselves and sensual heat distort the place and make the outlines of the details of the work fuzzy, blurry. And colorful colors make the picture even more expressive and atmospheric."