Henry Fuseli, R.A. 1741 - 1825

Anonymous sale, Christies, London, 24th March 1981, lot 32

The sheet has not been laid down, it is attached to the backing sheet at the four corners. There are no tears or foxmarks. There is the occasional very minor crease. The medium has remained strong and fresh. Overall the work is in good condition
"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."

The present drawing is a preliminary study for the second of two related paintings; Percival and Belisane under the spell of Urma (untraced) and Percival delivering Belisane from the enchantment of Urma (Tate Britain, London), depicting Percival and Belisane’s escape from an evil magician.  For this fictional tale Fuseli seems to have combined motifs from the literature; Parzival and Spenser’s Fairie Queene.  

The various divergences from the finished paintings, for example the absence of the figure of Urma and  Percival’s timeless nudity, appear to indicate Fuseli’s refinement of a complex literary theme. Two further studies for Percival Frees Belisane executed three decades later (Yale Center for British Art) bear witness to Fuseli’s interest in this literary subject. We thank Professor David Weinglass for his assistance in cataloguing this lot.