The Romantic style was characterized by its rejection of the Neoclassicism's strict structure and emphasis on reason and order. By illustrating this scene of bedlam, Delacroix goes against this understood convention. Additionally, the rendering of a French colony in Africa sets the painting apart from others of its time period, giving it a distinct exotic feel. Finally, Delacroix intended the painting to evoke an emotional response as opposed to an intellectual one. He achieves this through emphasizing color contrasts and an asymmetrical composition. 

Compositionally, the eyes are immediately drawn to the five frenzied men in the center of the painting, pushing their way through the crowd. The contrast between the men and the rest of the crowd forces the eyes toward the center, specifically to the man in the white. His flailing arms and contrasting color serve to establish him as the main subject of the painting. The tranquility of the men on the far right contrast the frenzy even further, and they serve as a vertical balance to the mayhem. The buildings achieve the same effect, forming a horizontal line that divides the paintings as well as vertical lines which prevent total chaos and provide stability. Finally, Delacroix’s use of colors greatly enhance the emotional experience of the painting. The swirling reds, greens, yellows and white within in the crowd evoke the mood of chaos, and contrast nicely with the brilliant blue sky. The combination of these elements - subject, line, body movement and color sets this painting apart from others of its time period and shows the true talent of Eugene Delacroix.