Delacroix's Secret Marriage: A Mysterious Union in the Louvre

Delacroix's Secret Marriage: A Mysterious Union in the Louvre

In 1834 , one of France's greatest painters, Eugène Delacroix , is said to have married in secret in a room at the Louvre. Very few details remain about this discreet union, fueling speculation about the artist's private life. Although this story is shrouded in mystery, it adds an intriguing dimension to Delacroix's relationship with this historic monument.

Explore works inspired by the Romantic era and Delacroix in our online art gallery .

The secret marriage of Eugène Delacroix , one of the greatest painters of the 19th century, is a story that intrigues and fascinates art historians. Although Delacroix is ​​widely known for his monumental works such as "Liberty Leading the People" , his private life remains shrouded in mystery, particularly regarding a possible secret union.

A mysterious artist:

• Eugène Delacroix, an emblematic figure of Romanticism , was known for his passionate temperament and his artistic commitment, but also for his discretion regarding his private life.
• Unlike other artists of his time, Delacroix never officially married and left no direct heirs. However, there are rumors that he may have had secret love affairs or even entered into a secret marriage.

Rumors of a secret marriage:

• Letters and accounts from contemporaries suggest that Delacroix had a relationship with a woman named Jenny Le Guillou , who was his governess and faithful companion for many years. The couple reportedly lived together, but never officially.
• Some biographers suggest that Delacroix secretly married Jenny, although this union has never been confirmed by official documents. Jenny remained by his side until his death, and even organized his funeral in 1863.

A platonic relationship or a secret love?

• The nature of Delacroix's relationship with Jenny Le Guillou remains a matter of debate. Many believe their relationship was primarily friendly and professional, but others see it as a love affair hidden within the social conventions of the time.
• Delacroix, often in poor health, relied heavily on Jenny to care for him, manage his affairs, and maintain order in his household.

A man of artistic passions:

• Whether he was married or not, Delacroix was above all devoted to his art . He spent most of his life working on grandiose works, exploring powerful themes such as freedom, revolution and the exotic, and leaving little room for worldly life or social conventions.

A mystery never solved:

• The question of this secret marriage remains a mystery, because Delacroix never revealed much about his private life. Jenny Le Guillou, however, remained discreet after his death. Period documents are rare, and the painter took care to preserve a large part of secrecy around his intimacy.

Delacroix's secret marriage thus fuels the aura of mystery surrounding the life of this exceptional artist, who preferred to let his paintings speak rather than his personal life.