Entry of the Crusaders into Constantinople

The Entry of the Crusaders into Constantinople (Entrée des Croisés à Constantinople) or The Crusaders Entering Constantinople is a large painting by the French painter Eugène Delacroix. It was commissioned by Louis-Philippe in 1838, and completed in 1840. It was exhibited at the Salon of 1841. Painted in oil on canvas, it is in the collection of the Louvre, in Paris.

• Artist: Eugène Delacroix (1798–1863)
• Year: 1852
• Location: Musée du Louvre, Paris

Delacroix’s painting depicts a brutal episode of the armed expedition known as Fourth Crusade (12 April 1204), in which a Crusaders army abandoned their plan to invade Muslim Egypt and Jerusalem, and instead sacked the Christian (Eastern Orthodox) city of Constantinople, the capital of the Byzantine Empire. The painting shows Baldwin I of Constantinople at the head of a procession through the streets of the city following the assault; on all sides are the city’s inhabitants who beg for mercy or have been murdered.

The painting's luminosity and use of colour owes much to Delacroix’s study of the Old Masters, such as Paolo Veronese. The painting was exhibited in the Salon of 1841, where the painterly romanticism of its style was controversial; Le Constitutionnel deplored “the confused and strangled composition, the dull earthy colours and the lack of definite contours”, but Baudelaire appreciated the work’s “abstraction faite”.

Delacroix's use of color and composition creates a dynamic atmosphere, drawing the viewer into the heart of the historical event. Delacroix was known for his contributions to the Romantic movement in art, and this painting is no exception. His style, characterized by rich colors and expressive brushstrokes, brings the scene to life.

For those interested in exploring more of Delacroix’s works, ‘The Death of Sardanapalus’ and ‘The Barque of Dante’ are housed in the Musée du Louvre. These paintings showcase Delacroix's versatility and his ability to capture a wide range of subjects, from historical events to mythological tales.

Delacroix’s painting is used on the cover of the album “The IVth Crusade” by British death-metal band Bolt Thrower.

Key Points:

• Delacroix was a prominent French Romantic painter.
• The painting depicts the Fourth Crusade's conquest of Constantinople in 1204.
• It is housed in the Musée du Louvre, Paris, France.
• Delacroix was known for his use of rich colors and expressive brushstrokes.

Mus3ums offers handmade oil painting reproductions of Delacroix’s works.

For more information on Eugène Delacroix and his paintings, visit the painting by 'Eugène Delacroix' | Eugène Delacroix: Entry of the Crusaders into Constantinople page on Mus3ums.

Additionally, the Musée national Eugène Delacroix offers a wealth of information on Delacroix and his contributions to art. Delacroix’s other notable works include ‘The Death of Sardanapalus’ and ‘The Barque of Dante’, both of which are housed in the Musée du Louvre.

These paintings showcase Delacroix's versatility and his ability to capture a wide range of subjects, from historical events to mythological tales.