The Cardinal de Richelieu Saying Mass in the Church of the Palais Royal

Cardinal Richelieu Saying Mass from around 1831 shows Delacroix painting French historical subjects with characteristic dramatic vision. The powerful cardinal-minister embodied the intertwining of religious and political authority. As the leading French Romantic painter, Delacroix brought passionate color and dynamic energy to all his subjects; his journal records his constant study of color relationships and his admiration for Rubens, Constable, and Veronese.

The ecclesiastical scene is rendered with rich color and atmospheric handling. Delacroix's palette creates an atmosphere of ceremonial religious authority.