FERDINAND-VICTOR-EUGÈNE DELACROIX | Sketchbook from the journey in Morocco

Delacroix posthumous sale, Hôtel Drouot, Paris, 1864, part of lot 663 ;
Roux Collection, purchased from the above ;
Andrew Mellon Collection ;
Paul Mellon Collection ;
Eliza Winn Lloyd Moore Collection ;
Stacy B. Lloyd III Collection

Alfred Robaut, L'oeuvre complet d'Eugène Delacroix, Paris, 1885, p. 422, part of n°1643

- a certain number of pages are detached - 8 pages (front and back) present foxing ; some unused pages also present foxing - a double page présents minor spots in the upper outside corner (upper left on left page and upper right on right page) - minor spots scattered on some pages - a few minor tears barely visible
"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."

In October 1831, Delacroix is invited to join a diplomatic mission to Morocco, led by Charles de Mornay (1803-1878). Upon his arrival, he is dazzled by the light, colors and people. From January to June 1832, he discovers a new world. He brings back seven albums filled with sketches. Of the four albums known to this day, three sketchbooks are kept at the Musée du Louvre, Paris, and one is at the Musée Condé, Chantilly. Our sketchbook, thus a precious discovery, was more precisely executed from March 5th and 15th, during a journey between Tangiers and Meknes. Delacroix consulted these albums even years later to paint compositions using the figures, architecture and accessories he recorded in these precious pages, for example, La Noce Juive, Musée du Louvre, Paris, and Le Sultan du Maroc, Musée des Augustins, Toulouse. The name « Mellon » is often heard in the field of Art. Inspired by the National Gallery, London, Andrew Mellon wished to create a National Gallery of Art in Washington, allowing the public to access his rich collection. Unfortunately, he died before the opening in 1941. His two children, Paul and Ailsa, pursued his goal and extended the museum, giving exceptional pieces of art themselves.



We would like to thank the Galerie Brame et Lorenceau for kindly confirming the authenticity of this work. It will be included in the Digital Catalogue of Eugène Delacroix's oeuvre in preparation.