The model for this drawing was most likely a man named Polonais, who was a frequent model at the École des Beaux-Arts when Delacroix was a student there in the early 1820s. His name is first recorded in minutes of meetings at the École des Beaux-Arts in 1818 when a letter was read on February 28 from 'Julien et Polonais, qui demandent que l'assemblée veuille bien fixer leur sorts en les nommant l'un et l'autre modèles en titre aux deux places vacantes.' His name is mentioned again in minutes from a March 28 meeting, 'Avant de se séparer l'assemblée a arrêté que Polonais seroit modèle en titre.' Gericault also notes his name in the Zoubaloff sketchbook in The Louvre (fol. 105): 'Polonais rue Dauphine no. 56'. (see L. Johnson, The Paintings of Eugène Delacroix, vol I, Oxford, 1981, p. 6).

Our model closely resembles the standing man in Delacroix's oil painting of Polonais in The Louvre (see Johnson, p. 6; vol. II, plate 3). Both share the same physique, but most striking are their animated expressions, something of a rarity in an Academy drawing. Our drawing most likely dates to 1821 based on its style. The influence of Guerin, Delacroix's teacher is noticable in the powerful contours and volume of Polonais's right arm - a form that is reminiscent of Antique sculpture. Another drawing, which may also depict Polonais, is reproduced in Escholier I., p. 30.

We are grateful to Professor Lee Johnson for his assistance in preparing this catalogue entry.