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Lot Essay
The poses of the figures in this powerful double-sided drawing are based on Fuseli's studies of the Antique sculptural group of the Dioscuri in Rome (see lot 99), though they date from circa 1800 (considerably later than Fuseli's stay in Rome) about the time that Fuseli was preparing the oil paintings and auxiliary material for his Milton Gallery, which opened on 20 May 1799 at Christie's in Pall Mall. Sadly, partly owing to the war with France, the public was indifferent and the exhibition closed early at the end of July. The painting in the Milton Gallery where the figures are most like the ones in this drawing is Satan and the Birth of Sin (Book II, 746-758), no. 6 from The Milton Gallery, Dallas Museum of Art (fig. 1), in which the figure of Satan is shown in the same pose, though seated on a throne. There are also strong similarities with Satan Bursts from Chaos, no. 4 in the Milton Gallery, illustrating Book II, 1010 ff (Schiff, no. 893, illustrated II, p. 242). In this picture the figure of Satan is seen from behind, his right arm which is outstretched and holding a spear. The present drawing shows Satan seen from the front, his right arm behind him, the spear just hinted at, his left fist clenched. On the verso, the dynamic foreshortening has eliminated his right arm and his outstretched left hand is open.
Fuseli has inscribed the drawing ‘P.C.’, which stands for ‘Purser’s Cross’. This was the Fulham home of the well-known publisher and bookseller, Joseph Johnson (1738-1809). Fuseli formed a close friendship with Johnson and often stayed at Purser’s Cross, writing of it as ‘a sweet retired and healthful spot’ (letter to Johnson’s nephew, J. Knowles, The Life and Writings of Mr Henry Fuseli, 1831, p. 286.). For other drawings executed at Purser’s Cross see P. Tomory (ed.), The Poetical Circle, Fuseli and the British, Florence, 1979, illustrated, pp. 44-49, nos. 18-23.
Fuseli has inscribed the drawing ‘P.C.’, which stands for ‘Purser’s Cross’. This was the Fulham home of the well-known publisher and bookseller, Joseph Johnson (1738-1809). Fuseli formed a close friendship with Johnson and often stayed at Purser’s Cross, writing of it as ‘a sweet retired and healthful spot’ (letter to Johnson’s nephew, J. Knowles, The Life and Writings of Mr Henry Fuseli, 1831, p. 286.). For other drawings executed at Purser’s Cross see P. Tomory (ed.), The Poetical Circle, Fuseli and the British, Florence, 1979, illustrated, pp. 44-49, nos. 18-23.