Abstract
I have chosen to focus on ?Women of Algiers in their apartment' (1834) by Eugène Delacroix (1798-1863). He is usually considered the most important French romantic painter. His romantic mood led him to dream of the Orient (thanks to poems by Byron) before traveling in North Africa, in search of the exotic. In the book, ?Women of Algiers', romanticism and Oriental elements are closely linked. However, Delacroix's travel to North Africa was closely linked to the political context of the time. In 1832, Delacroix, aged 34, traveled to Morocco as part of a diplomatic mission. 1830 was also the date of the storming of Algiers by Charles X, King of France. At the inception of the Monarchy of July, in 1830, Louis-Philippe wondered what to do with Algeria. He had the choice of leaving the French troops, and staying in Algeria in accordance with public opinion. He chose to stay but this caused diplomatic problems between the King of Morocco and France. Thus a diplomatic mission led by Charles Edgar, Comte de Mornay was sent to Morocco to mediate with Sultan Moulay Abd-er-Rahman. As Mornay wanted to be accompanied by an artist to give the journey a more pleasant aspect, Delacroix was chosen. On the way of return, the mission stopped over at Oran, and then Alger.
