Born
near Paris in 1798 into a distinguished artistic
family, Eugene Delacroix had a classical education
until age 17, when, he was apprenticed to the
history painter Antoine-Jean Gros. Working mainly
in Paris, Delacroix exhibited in 1822 in the
Paris Salon to great critical acclaim, and in
1830 was appointed head of architectural decoration
for the city of Paris.
In 1832 Delacroix traveled in North Africa and
Spain which influenced him to produce paintings
that are exuberant and lush. In 1833 he received
a commission to paint a group of murals at the
Palais Bourbon and he spent the later part of
his life painting large decorations in palaces,
churches and government buildings.
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