Alfred Robaut was a French art historian, draftsman, and collector, best known for his comprehensive catalogue of the works of the French painter Eugène Delacroix. Born in 1830 in Laval, Mayenne, France, Robaut developed an interest in art at a young age. He moved to Paris to further his education and immerse himself in the city's vibrant art scene.
In Paris, Robaut became deeply involved in the study and documentation of art. He was particularly fascinated by the work of Eugène Delacroix, a leading figure of the Romantic movement in France. Robaut's dedication to Delacroix's oeuvre was such that he spent a significant portion of his life researching and cataloging every known work by the artist, which led to the publication of 'L'Oeuvre complet de Eugène Delacroix: peintures, dessins, gravures, lithographies' (The Complete Works of Eugène Delacroix: Paintings, Drawings, Engravings, Lithographs) in 1885. This catalogue raisonné, which he co-authored with the art critic Ernest Chesneau, remains an essential reference for scholars and enthusiasts of Delacroix's work.
Aside from his work on Delacroix, Robaut was also an accomplished draftsman and collector. He amassed an impressive collection of art, which included drawings, engravings, and paintings from various periods. His collections, along with his extensive documentation, have been valuable resources for the study of 19th-century French art.
Alfred Robaut passed away in 1909, leaving behind a legacy as a meticulous researcher and dedicated art historian. His efforts have had a lasting impact on the field of art history, particularly in the study of Romantic art and the works of Eugène Delacroix.