- 191
HENRY FUSELI, R.A. | The visitation of Faust by Mephistopheles
Estimate
35,000 - 45,000 GBP
Log in to view results
bidding is closed
Description
- Follower of Henry Fuseli
- The visitation of Faust by Mephistopheles
- Watercolour and grey wash over pencil, on laid paper watermarked: 1799;indistinctly signed with the artist's initials and dated, lower right: H.F. (?) July 18 (?)
- 314 by 403 mm
Provenance
Martin Hofer & Leo Blumenreich Gallery, London (acquired between 1910-1914),
Leo Blumenreich (1884-1932), Berlin,
by descent to a Private Collection, Germany,
Private Collection, Germany (acquired from the above in 2009),
from which acquired by the present owner
Leo Blumenreich (1884-1932), Berlin,
by descent to a Private Collection, Germany,
Private Collection, Germany (acquired from the above in 2009),
from which acquired by the present owner
Condition
Overall in good condition. Sheet has discoloured slightly, this is barely visible. There is a small tear at the lower right corner of the sheet. A few brown stains located at the lower margin in the centre and a few at the upper margin in the centre. Watercolour and wash remain strong and robust.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
Catalogue Note
In this impressive drawing, Fuseli shows a seated figure, with a writing implement in his right hand, turning his attention from a folio volume to engage with a standing, possibly sexless, figure with a penetrating gaze, making what seems to be a gesture of invitation. In the background, distanced by a grille or window is the looming shape of a horse. Although it is impossible to be certain, for Fuseli has not inscribed the sheet with a title, it has been suggested that the scene closely resembles that in the first ‘Studierzimmer’ of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe’s 1808 masterpiece Faust. Part I, in which Dr. Faust’s attempt to translate the Bible is interrupted by the manifestation of Mephistopheles and his first suggestion of the advantages to be had from a pact with the devil.
There, it should be noted, are a number of details within the drawing that differ from Goethe’s text – such as the age of Faust, the clothes worn by Mephistopheles, and his inclusion of a horse (horses only appear - as suggestions of Mephistopheles’ magic powers - later in the action). This method, however, of selecting and then juggling elements of a source is entirely consistent with Fuseli, whose knowledge of literature was profound and who often enjoyed allowing his imagination to run free.
This drawing has only recently come to the attention of modern day art historians as, for much of the last century, it formed part of the private collection of the descendants of the distinguished art dealer, Leo Blumenreich (1884-1932).
We would like to thank Martin Butlin, Professor Martin Priestman and Professor William Vaughan for their help when cataloguing this work.
There, it should be noted, are a number of details within the drawing that differ from Goethe’s text – such as the age of Faust, the clothes worn by Mephistopheles, and his inclusion of a horse (horses only appear - as suggestions of Mephistopheles’ magic powers - later in the action). This method, however, of selecting and then juggling elements of a source is entirely consistent with Fuseli, whose knowledge of literature was profound and who often enjoyed allowing his imagination to run free.
This drawing has only recently come to the attention of modern day art historians as, for much of the last century, it formed part of the private collection of the descendants of the distinguished art dealer, Leo Blumenreich (1884-1932).
We would like to thank Martin Butlin, Professor Martin Priestman and Professor William Vaughan for their help when cataloguing this work.