- 186
Henry Fuseli, R.A. 1741 - 1825
bidding is closed
Description
- Henry Fuseli, R.A.
- studies of a male nude
- pen and brown ink over pencil
- 22.2 by 17.5 cm.; 8 3/4 by 7 in.
Provenance
Anonymous sale, Christie's London, 24 March 1981, lot 13 (£4,500)
Condition
The sheet is in excellent condition. The medium has remained strong and there is no paper discoloration. There are occassional very minor foxmarks
"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
The present lot can be compared with the sheet of two studies of men pulling bell-ropes, dated 1777-9 (see G. Schiff, Johann Heinrich Füssli 1741-1825, 1973, cat no. 631). Fuseli returned to the pose of the smaller figure in a later study of the 1790's (see G. Schiff, lit.op.cit., 1973, no. 1145).
These powerful nude male figures with their elongated limbs and heroic anatomy are closely related to Fuseli’s frequent representations of heroes and rebels (Satan, Achilles, Siegfried, etc.) derived from the statue of the Dioscuri or the Horse Tamers of Monte Cavallo (Palazzo del Quirinale, Rome).