Author Description

These final volumes in Lee Johnson's prize-winning catalogue discuss all of Delacroix's public decorations in relation to the artist's preliminary drawings and oil sketches. Johnson offers a full history from conception to completion, and in the case of the Hôtel de Ville, provides an unmatched comprehensive analysis based on unused, surviving evidence. Placing each scheme in the context of the building or refurbishment project which gave rise to the commission, he sheds new light on questions of iconography, development of programs, literary and visual influences, technique, critical fortunes, and restorations. The book also includes many oil sketches and drawings that have not been previously illustrated in books, and discusses and reproduces easel paintings that have emerged since the earlier volumes were published.