Artwork

Arab Horseman Attacked by a Lion

Arab Horseman Attacked by a Lion, by Eugène Delacroix, oil, 1849
Arab Horseman Attacked by a Lion, by Eugène Delacroix, oil, 1849

Arab Horseman Attacked by a Lion is an oil painting by Eugène Delacroix. It dates from 1849 and is held in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.

About this work

Overview

Arab Horseman Attacked by a Lion is a 1849 oil painting by Eugène Delacroix, a prominent figure in the French Romantic movement.

Subject & Meaning

The painting depicts a dramatic confrontation between an Arab horseman and a lion, with the horse rearing in response to the attack. The scene is set against a rocky terrain with a distant sky, and is characterized by intense action and tension.

Technique & Style

Delacroix's use of chiaroscuro and emphasis on color and movement create a sense of drama, drawing the viewer's eye to the central action. The artist's style reflects the influence of Rubens and Venetian Renaissance painters.

History & Provenance

The painting is held in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Eugène Delacroix

Artist

Eugène Delacroix

Ferdinand Victor Eugène Delacroix ( DEL-ə-krwah, -⁠KRWAH; French: ; 26 April 1798 – 13 August 1863) was a French Romantic artist who was regarded as the leader of the French Romantic school.