French artist (1798–1863) who takes a place in the first rank of painters in the Romantic tradition and whose mastery of color and technique inspired both the Impressionist and Symbolist schools. His best known work is the stirring 1830 patriotic tableau ‘Liberty Leading the People.’ ALS in French, one page, 5.25 x 8.25, October 6, 1839. Delacroix writes to an unnamed friend. In part (translated): “I would like very much…to talk with you of an old affair which interests me very much and in which your advice and even your good support would be quite necessary because of the high position which you occupy at the Legion of Honour…I am attached all day to my hard work.” The integral blank leaf bears an affixed early photograph of a detail from one of the artist’s works. Ink notation to top left corner and faint, unobtrusive show-through to writing, otherwise fine condition. RRAuction COA.
