Henry Fuseli, R.A.

Sale, London, Sotheby's, 13 June 1986, lot 106

New York, Jan Krugier Gallery; Geneva, Galerie Jan Krugier, Victor Hugo and The Romantic Vision, Drawings and Watercolours, 1990-1, no. 9, illustrated in the catalogue

A. Dückers, Linie, Licht und Schatten, Meisterzeichnungen und Skulpturen der Sammlung Jan und Marie-Anne Krugier-Poniatowski, Berlin 1999, p. 401

The pencil has survived well in this drawing. The paper has darkened a little with time but overall the condition is good. The work is attached to a backing at several points verso.
"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."

Throughout his career Fuseli was to maintain a great interest in the depiction of the female form. In the 1780s he sketched the Hess sisters, then, in the 1790s his wife, Sophia Rawlins, was the focus of his attentions, while later he turned to women such as Lavinia de Irujo for inspiration. The identity of the lady in the present drawing has been not confirmed. However, the work is similar, in terms of composition and technique, to a portrait of Lavinia de Irujo (dated circa 1814) which was sold, as lot 135, at Sotheby's, New York on 25 January 2006. We would like to thank Professor Weinglass for his help when cataloging this work.