Who painted Figure in Turkish Costume?

Figure in Turkish Costume was painted by Eugène Delacroix in 1859-01-01.

Where can I see Figure in Turkish Costume?

Figure in Turkish Costume is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is Figure in Turkish Costume?

Figure in Turkish Costume is associated with Orientalism.

Can I buy a print of Figure in Turkish Costume?

Museum-quality prints of Figure in Turkish Costume are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Figure in Turkish Costume

Eugène Delacroix , 1859

Figure in Turkish Costume is an unspecified painting by the Orientalist artist Eugène Delacroix. It dates from 1859 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Eugène Delacroix created the oil painting Figure in Turkish Costume in 1859. Executed during the height of his career, the work exemplifies his Romantic interest in vivid color and dynamic brushwork. It is part of the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art in Ohio.

Subject & Meaning

The composition presents a solitary figure seen from behind, clothed in a dark mantle trimmed with a striking red sash. A greenish hood covers the head, and the hand holds a small, intricately decorated object, suggesting an exotic or ceremonial context linked to North African or Middle Eastern dress.

Technique & Style

Delacroix employs thick, loose impasto strokes that emphasize texture and immediacy. The palette of deep shadows contrasted with bright accents creates a sense of movement, while the unfinished, sketch‑like surface reflects his preference for expressive color over precise modeling.

Context

The painting belongs to the 19th‑century Orientalist trend, in which European artists portrayed imagined scenes from the Ottoman world and its environs. Delacroix’s interest in such subjects was fueled by his travels and exposure to Eastern cultures, aligning him with contemporary fascination for the exotic.

History & Provenance

After its completion, the canvas entered private collections before being acquired by the Cleveland Museum of Art, where it remains on view as part of the museum’s European paintings department.

Figure in Turkish Costume, Eugène Delacroix

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Artist & collection

Artist

Eugène Delacroix

Ferdinand Victor Eugène Delacroix ( DEL-ə-krwah, -⁠KRWAH; French:; 26 April 1798 – 13 August 1863) was a French Romantic artist who was regarded as the leader of the French Romantic school.