"States of (Un)dress: Delacroix and Clothing" at Delacroix Museum

Categories : Exhibition, published on : 9/19/24

The Delacroix Museum presents an exciting new exhibition, States of (Un)dress: Delacroix and Clothing, which explores a central question: what role does clothing play in Delacroix’s artwork? The artist paid close attention to fabrics, embroidery, and drapery in his works.

The exhibition invites visitors to delve into Delacroix's creative process by examining how he depicted clothing—or sometimes its absence—in his paintings.

The exhibition, open to the public since July 3rd, offers a fresh perspective on the famous painter's works. You will discover how both real and fictional characters are dressed, and what their clothing (or nudity) adds to their representation. Did Delacroix choose specific costumes linked to a particular era, or did he focus more on aesthetics and the expressiveness of the body?

The exhibition also reveals the cultural inspirations that influenced Delacroix, from Oriental garments to historical costumes. Luxurious fabrics, such as gold-embroidered jackets and turbans, reflect the influence of his travels, especially to Morocco.

At the heart of the exhibition is the museum’s new acquisition, the lithograph Hercules Leaning on a Column. Surrounding this piece, you will find drawings, paintings, and objects that highlight Delacroix’s study of the human body, whether clothed or nude.

Through this exhibition, the Delacroix Museum offers a deeper understanding of how the artist used clothing to enhance his compositions, while also conveying the emotions and movement of the body. Guided tours, workshops, and neighborhood walks further enrich this exploration into the world of the great master of Romantic painting.

Whether you are an art lover or simply curious, the States of (Un)dress: Delacroix and Clothing, exhibition is a wonderful opportunity to rediscover Delacroix from a new angle.

Until February 3rd, 2025. Open Wednesday to Monday, from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM, and every first Thursday of the month until 8:30 PM.