Ferdinand-Victor-Eugène Delacroix

Very good overall condition. Corner have been slightly folded. The drawing would need a slight cleaning.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Ce très beau profil est un exemple caractéristique des lavis d'Eugène Delacroix à ses débuts. D'inspiration classique, il évoque les profils des médailles et des monnaies antiques, que Delacroix a copiées dans sa jeunesse. Il fait également écho à cette magistrale oeuvre plus tardive, de même technique, Portrait présumé de Jenny le Guillou actuellement conservée dans une collection privée.

L'aspect évanescent, du à la transparence et à la légèreté du traitement au pinceau et au lavis, nous interpelle; s'agit-il d'une femme ou d'un homme?

This very beautiful profile is a characteristic example of Eugène Delacroix's early wash drawings. It is not without reminiscences of the various drawings in the Musée du Louvre. Equally, it reminds us of the magisterial later work, in the same technique, Portrait, presumed to be of Jenny le Guillou, now in a private collection.

The evanescent look conveyed by this treatment in brush and wash challenges us; are we looking at a man or a woman?