Circassian Holding a Horse by Its Bridle

Under a sky of pink and blue like a sunset, a white horse stands against distant mountains. The saddle has blue-green trimming, and the red harness catches the eye. The figure holding the bridle wears a blue jacket and red trousers, with a curved sword at the waist. Weapons lie on the ground at the lower left, and small mounted figures can be seen in the distance.

The museum's commentary says that the flowing, unhesitating brushwork and the jewel-like color, even on a small surface, show well the characteristics of Delacroix's late period. A drawing of the same composition dated April 9, 1858 is regarded as a preparatory work, and this is strong evidence that the painting dates from around then.

The Circassians of the title are a people living in the North Caucasus region along the Black Sea coast. This work used to be called "Mamluk Cavalryman," but because Mamluks are generally depicted wearing turbans, and because the clothing also mixes in imaginary elements, there is a cautious view against identifying the figure definitively as Circassian. It is thought to be an invention based on memories from his visit to North Africa in the first half of 1832.