Circle of Henry Fuseli R.A.

Puchased from Alister Matthews, circa 1956

The pencil has been well preserved. The sheet has discoloured a little and there is a brown line at each of the edges, this is associated with previous mounting. At the upper right hand corner, there is a repaired paper loss. The sheet has not been laid down, however it has been attached to a back-board at several points verso. For further information on this lot please contact Mark Griffith-Jones on 0207 293 5083 or mark.griffithjones@sothebys.com
"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."

This drawing is full of movement and energy and has many of the attributes associated with the work of Henry Fuseli.  Ralph Holland, suggested however, that the drawing may have been executed by the Scottish born artist John Brown (1749–1787).  Brown travelled to Rome in 1769 and quickly established himself within the group of artists circulating around Henry Fuseli.  Holland made a comparison between the present work and Brown’s signed wash drawing The Magicians, which is illustrated by Iolo Williams in his 1952 book 'Early English Watercolours.'¹

1. I. Williams, Early English Watercolours, London 1952, pl. XCIX,  fig. 199