The Entry of the Crusaders into Constantinople is an oil painting on canvas by the French painter Eugène Delacroix, created in 1840. It depicts an episode of the Fourth Crusade, when the Latin crusaders seized the Byzantine capital on April 12, 1204. It measures 498 x 410 cm and is housed in the Louvre Museum in Paris. It belongs to the Romantic movement, characterized by the expression of feelings and interest in exoticism and the Middle Ages.
Historical context of the work
The Entry of the Crusaders into Constantinople is part of a series of paintings commissioned by King Louis-Philippe to decorate the Hall of Crusades at the Palace of Versailles. The sovereign had conceived a museum dedicated to “all the glories of France,” which retraced the great hours of national history. The Hall of Crusades was inaugurated in May 1843 and brought together one hundred and twenty-five paintings illustrating military expeditions undertaken by Western Christians between the 11th and 13th centuries to liberate holy places.
Delacroix received his commission for his painting in 1838. He was inspired by several historical sources, including the chronicle of Geoffroy de Villehardouin, who participated in the Fourth Crusade. He also consulted engravings depicting Constantinople and its monuments. He made several preparatory sketches before painting final version on large canvas.
The painting was first exhibited at Salon of 1841, where it received mixed reception. Some critics praised vigor and richness of color, while others reproached painter for his lack of historical fidelity and taste for picturesque. The painting was then sent to Versailles, where it remained until its transfer to Louvre in 1885.
Analysis of painting
The painting depicts moment when crusaders make their triumphant entry into Constantinople after storming its walls. The scene takes place in Saint Sophia Square, in front of famous Byzantine basilica. The composition is organized along an ascending diagonal that goes from lower left corner to upper right corner.
In foreground, we see Latin soldiers advancing on horseback or on foot in apparent disorder. Some wear shining armor and helmets, others are dressed in rags or animal skins. They brandish swords, lances or flags in various colors. They express contrasting feelings: joy, pride, curiosity, greed…
In middle ground, we see Greek inhabitants who helplessly witness invasion of their city. Some are terrified and take refuge in churches or houses. Others are resigned or indifferent. Some try to negotiate with invaders or offer them presents.
In background, we see emblematic monuments of Constantinople: Saint Sophia Basilica, whose dome dominates landscape; Imperial Palace, whose towers are adorned with statues; Serpentine Column, which recalls Greek victory over Persians; Great Egyptian Obelisk, which symbolizes Byzantine power. • In last plan, we see cloudy sky contrasting with bright light bathing scene. A few birds fly above roofs.The palette of painting is rich and varied: it mixes warm tones (red, orange, yellow) and cool tones (blue, green, purple). Delacroix uses chiaroscuro technique to create contrast and relief effects. He also takes care with details such as characters, animals and objects that demonstrate his attentive observation and fertile imagination.
Interpretation
The Entry of Crusaders into Constantinople is typical work in Romantic style characterized by movement, drama and exoticism. Delacroix expresses his personal vision of history by staging spectacular and tragic scene.
Delacroix does not seek to glorify crusaders or condemn Byzantines. Rather he shows complexity and ambiguity of historical fact. He thus highlights contrast between splendor of Constantinople and misery of Latins; between violence of city’s sack and beauty of its monuments; between religious fanaticism and cultural tolerance.
Delacroix also draws on his personal experience traveling to Orient he undertook in 1832. He transposes his visual and sensory impressions into his painting: bright colors, varied shapes, spicy smells… He thus evokes his attraction to different and mysterious world.
The Entry of Crusaders into Constantinople is therefore remarkable work for its technique and expressiveness. It is also emblematic work from French Romanticism testifying to Delacroix’s artistic and cultural talent.
