The artwork titled “Muley Abd-ar-Rhaman, The Sultan of Morocco, leaving his Palace of Meknes with his entourage” is a historical oil painting on canvas completed in 1845 by the artist Eugene Delacroix. The painting belongs to the art movement known as Orientalism and showcases the genre of history painting. With its significant dimensions of 377 by 340 cm, the artwork is part of the collection at the Musée des Augustins located in Toulouse, France.
Delacroix’s artwork captures a moment of dynamism and regality depicting Sultan Muley Abd-ar-Rhaman as he departs from his palace in Meknes. The Sultan is mounted on a richly decorated horse, surrounded by an array of figures that constitute his entourage. The atmospheric use of light illuminates the Sultan and his immediate attendants, drawing the viewer’s attention to the central figures. To the left, a man with striking white garments holds a traditional parasol, providing shade for the Sultan, signifying his high status. The background consists of the formidable walls of the Meknes palace, enhancing the grandeur of the scene depicted. The crowd, composed of soldiers and various members of the Sultan’s retinue, is presented in a variety of poses, clothing, and expressions, capturing the diversity and complexity of Moroccan society.
The composition abounds in detail, with the vivid colors, textures, and the play of light and shadow contributing to a lifelike portrayal suffused with the exotic appeal characteristic of the Orientalist movement. The scene is imbued with cultural specificity, from the architectural elements of the palace to the traditional attire of the figures. Delacroix’s masterful brushwork conveys both the movement and the solemnity of the moment, creating a vivid historical narrative that continues to captivate audiences.
