ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Delacroix's 'Lion au serpent' Unveiled in Paris After 90 Years in Private Collection

exhibition · 2026-03-27

A previously uncatalogued painting by Eugène Delacroix titled 'Lion au serpent' is being publicly displayed for the first time in Paris. The artwork had remained in a private collection for nine decades, having been acquired in 1935 by Fernand Javal through art dealer Paul Rosenberg from the collection of Georges Aubry. Created around 1832-1836, this oil on canvas measuring 24.5 x 32.3 cm represents Delacroix's mature period and reflects his romantic fascination with animal subjects, particularly lions. The exhibition at Galerie Alexis Bordes runs from March 24 to May 29 and includes a dedicated catalogue for collectors and institutions. Art historian Virginie Cauchi notes the painting's remarkable preservation and its embodiment of Delacroix's coloristic genius and anatomical study of felines.

Key facts

  • Eugène Delacroix's painting 'Lion au serpent' is being exhibited publicly for the first time
  • The artwork had been held in a private collection for 90 years since its acquisition in 1935
  • The painting dates from approximately 1832-1836 and measures 24.5 x 32.3 cm
  • Exhibition at Galerie Alexis Bordes in Paris runs from March 24 to May 29
  • Art historian Virginie Cauchi describes the work as capturing Delacroix's creative essence and fascination with lions

Entities

Artists

Institutions

  • Galerie Alexis Bordes

Locations

  • Paris

Sources