Join Us in France · Sunday, July 12, 2026
Eugène Delacroix, a pivotal figure in 19th-century art, faced intense criticism throughout his career for his unconventional style and subject matter. Despite being labeled a Romantic painter, Delacroix resisted categorization, striving to express personal emotions and artistic vision. His early works, like 'La Barque de Dante,' were met with harsh reviews, forcing him to defend his artistic choices.
“Critics tore Delacroix's work apart for decades, and yet he kept painting his way, and I for one am glad.”
“He was really someone who had a whole pack of art critics, and at the time, art critics had far more influence than, on society than they do today, that attacked him and said his work was basically garbage.”
“He said, 'I refuse this category. I am not a Romantic painter. Don't put me in a box.'”