A Blacksmith (Un Forgeron)
Maker
Eugène Delacroix
(French, 1798-1863)
PrinterPrinted by
Auguste Delâtre
(French, 1822-1907)
PublisherPublished by
Cardart & Luquet
(French)
Date1833
MediumAquatint on Arches laid paper
DimensionsImage: 6 5/16 × 3 3/4 in. (16 × 9.5 cm)
Plate: 9 × 6 3/8 in. (22.9 × 16.2 cm)
Sheet (irregular, max.): 17 15/16 × 12 5/8 in. (45.6 × 32.1 cm)
Mat II
Plate: 9 × 6 3/8 in. (22.9 × 16.2 cm)
Sheet (irregular, max.): 17 15/16 × 12 5/8 in. (45.6 × 32.1 cm)
Mat II
Credit LinePurchase, The Paul and Miriam Kirkley Fund for Acquisitions
Collections
Object number2008.205
Status
Not on viewThe clang of the forge almost rings out into the room. In this print the artist Eugène Delacroix, who worked in many different media, glorifies the art of workmanship. The flash of the blacksmith’s eyes reflects the intensity of light and shadow coming from the forge. To achieve this dynamic contrast of light and dark (known as chiaroscuro) and dramatize the blacksmith’s work, Delacroix exploits the technique of aquatint. He produced this work in the Romantic style, emphasizing passion and inspiration—which suggests that the brilliance in the print is both literal and metaphorical.
