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Artwork Description

The bodies of four people are locked together through dramatic gestures and poses against a dark background in this nearly square painting. The two men have pale, peachy skin and the two women have ash-white skin, and together they almost fill the composition. A man with a white beard and hair wears a short-sleeved brown garment and sits to the right of center. His body faces our left and both of his arms reach straight out at shoulder height. His head juts forward and his bulging eyes appear white. He points at a younger man kneeling in front of him with his left hand. Near the left edge of the canvas, the younger man’s body also faces our left as he kneels on his left knee. His body leans forward over his right knee, which is bent so that foot is flat on the ground. His head is thrown back and his right hand, on our left, crosses his body and is raised as if to shield his face. His other arm extends so the raised flat of his hand is close to the old man’s face. The young man has dark hair and wears a tight-fitting, short-sleeved, golden yellow tunic. One woman with long blond hair rests her hands and leans her forehead onto the old man’s knee in the lower right corner. The second woman stands behind the pair of men with her arms spread wide so one hand reaches over the shoulder of the old man, and her other hand nearly touches the younger man’s head. She has long, curly brown hair, and she looks at the older man with her lips parted. Both women wear white and pale gray garments. There is the suggestion of blue sky beyond some trees along the left edge of the composition but the rest of the background is deep in shadow.

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Artist Biography

early life and education

johann heinrich füssli, a swiss painter, draughtsman, and writer on art, was born on february 7, 1741, in zürich, switzerland. he was the second of 18 children to johann caspar füssli, a portrait painter. füssli received a classical education at the collegium carolinum in zürich.

artistic career

füssli's artistic career began with his move to london in 1764, where he met sir joshua reynolds, who encouraged him to devote himself to painting. he then spent eight years in italy, studying antique art and the works of titian, caravaggio, and mannerists.

supernatural experiences

füssli's paintings often depicted supernatural experiences, such as the nightmare, which showcased his unique style. he also created a series of paintings based on john milton's works, with the intention of forming a milton gallery comparable to boydell's shakespeare gallery.

notable works and associations

titania, bottom and the fairies, a painting showcasing füssli's use of fairy-tale scenes from shakespeare as motifs.
association with the royal academy, where he held the posts of professor of painting and keeper.
influence on younger british artists, including william blake.

museums and collections

füssli's works can be found in various museums, including:

kunsthaus zürich, switzerland, which features a wide range of füssli's paintings, including the nightmare.
albertina, vienna, austria, which houses füssli's watercolor piece, teiresias foretells the future to odysseus.

legacy

füssli's style had a considerable influence on many younger british artists, and his supernatural themes continue to fascinate art lovers. his legacy can be explored further through his numerous works, which can be found in various museums and collections. recommended reading: