Orphan Girl at the Cemetery by Eugene Delacroix

Orphan Girl at the Cemetery was painted in 1824 by Eugene Delacroix. The painting depicts a young girl visiting a cemetery, most likely located in the French countryside. Her tearful eyes are directed upward, toward heaven. Is she questioning God's will? Does she look to understand why her loved one was taken from her? Her expression conveys not only sadness, but also emotional pain.

The melancholic atmosphere of Orphan Girl at the Cemetery is emphasized by the dimly lit background, the paleness of the sky and the dark, neglected graveyard, all of which suggest abandonment. The young girl's posture implies resignation; her gaping mouth, the hand that lies lifeless on her knee, and the right arm that supports her body on the ground give the viewer a sense of hopelessness. Eugene Delacroix's shadowing technique is masterful, from the nape of her neck to the wrinkles of her clothing. The background is slightly blurred, placing all the attention on the grief-stricken figure at the forefront of the canvas. The exceptional color scheme chosen by Delacroix for this composition creates the aura of solitude and loneliness.