The Muse of Orpheus

The Muse of Orpheus from 1846 at the Fitzwilliam Museum shows Delacroix treating a classical mythological subject with Romantic passion. The relationship between artistic inspiration and divine muse was a theme close to his artistic philosophy. Delacroix executed the work with his characteristic broken, energetic brushwork and rich colorism, building up his surfaces in ways that directly influenced the Impressionists who studied his technique at the Louvre after his death.

The figure is rendered with Delacroix's characteristic vibrant color and fluid brushwork. The warm palette and dramatic handling create a scene of inspired creative beauty.