The life and writings of Henry Fuseli Volume I Part 16

EUPHROSYNE, or Mirth, with FANCY and MODERATION hovering over her, tripping forward--

On the light fantastic toe;

accompanied by

Wanton Wiles; Sport, that wrinkled Care derides; And Laughter, holding both his sides,

with the Group of FALSTAFF and DOLL in the fore-ground: the distance exhibits the Meeting of ZEPHYRUS and AURORA, allusive to the Birth of EUPHROSYNE, in the words--

Zephyr with Aurora playing, As he met her once a maying, &c.

In the possession of the d.u.c.h.ess of St. Alban's.

IL PENSIEROSO.

PICTURE XLVI.

MELANCHOLY,

Reclining on her throne--

Her rapt soul sitting in her eyes,

with the attendant GENII of TERROR and GRIEF at her Feet, and behind her the Shadow of UGOLINO and his dead Son.--The whole dimly illuminated by a Moon-beam.

This picture was destroyed accidentally.

SONNET III.

PICTURE XLVII.

The SHEPHERDESS of the ALPS watering her Plants.--An Evening Scene.

Qual in colle aspro, &c.

As an exhibition opened for the second time has not the charm of novelty to attract the public; so, unfortunately, at its close the Milton Gallery, notwithstanding the patronage of the Royal Academy, was found to be even less productive during this than the previous season; and after four months of anxiety and disappointment, Fuseli closed it on the 18th of July 1800. Thus terminated the exhibition of one of the greatest efforts of genius ever executed by one artist. It is lamentable to contemplate that, after the labour of so many years, the energies exerted by the painter, and the privations which he endured during the time he was executing these pictures, they should have been met with so much of neglect from the public[47]. Upon the closing of this Gallery, Fuseli thus expressed himself to a friend, "I am fed with honour, and suffered to starve, if they could starve me."

Fuseli sometimes lounged about the Milton Gallery to hear the critical and other remarks of the visitors. On one occasion, a coa.r.s.e-looking man left his party, and coming up to him, said, "Pray, Sir, what is that picture?" Fuseli answered, "It is the bridging of Chaos: the subject from Milton."--"No wonder," said he, "I did not know it, for I never read Milton, but I will."--"I advise you not," said Fuseli, "for you will find it a d--d tough job."

His friends felt in how embarra.s.sed a situation Fuseli must be placed by these unsuccessful exhibitions; and they determined to relieve him by becoming purchasers of some of the pictures. The Countess of Guilford bought the "Lycidas;" Lord Rivers, "Satan calling up his Legions;" Sir Mark Sykes, Bart., "The Lubbar Fiend;" Thomas Coutts, Esq., "The Lazar House;" John Julius Angerstein, Esq. (at the recommendation of W. Lock, Esq.) "Satan starting from the touch of Ithuriel's spear;" "The Vision of the Deluge," and "Eve, newly created, led to Adam;" William Young Ottley, Esq., "Sin pursued by Death," and "The Dream of Eve;" and William Roscoe, Esq. with that friends.h.i.+p and liberality which he always exercised towards Fuseli, purchased pictures to the amount of 300; which, however, did not form a part of this exhibition.

Prior to the purchase of the picture of "The Deluge," by Mr. Angerstein, Fuseli wrote the following letter to Mr. William Lock.

"London, 11th August, 1800.

"As it may be expected, and indeed necessary, that I should inspect, and perhaps correct the pictures sent under Mr. Wyall's direction to Mr. Angerstein's, I take the liberty of applying through you to Mr. Lock, to be informed when my admission for that purpose may be attended with the least inconvenience to Mr.

Angerstein's arrangements.

"The greater part of my exhibition, the rejected family of a silly father, are now again rolled up, or packed together against the walls of my study to be seasoned for dust, the worm, and oblivion.

?? ??? ?? ?a? a????? a?????,[48] said Otho when in possession of his wish; I have been punished by obtaining mine. It cannot be supposed, however, that I should be quite indifferent to the fate of my bantlings; and as 'the expectations of ignorance are indefinite,' I venture to ask, whether you think it quite impracticable to persuade Mr. Angerstein to find a place for 'The Deluge?' It is not quite so wide as the smaller picture in his possession; and though, if placed on the other side of the Satan, it would be less honourable to me than the company of Rubens; it would be more in tune with the rest.

"It would be presumption in me, without authority from you, to congratulate you on what more than rumour has told me, of your intended change of state: of this, however, you are sure, that nothing conducive to the happiness of William Lock can be more interesting to any man than his

"Respects.

"Fuseli."

"To William Lock, Jun. Esq.

Norbury Park."

CHAPTER IX.

Fuseli's Lectures at the Royal Academy.--Letters respecting them from Mr. Farington.--Letter from Sir Henry Englefield, on the subject of the ancient Vases.--Death of Fuseli's friend, Lavater.--Fuseli's Visit to Paris in 1802.--His Letter from thence to Mr. James Moore.--His acquaintance with the French Painters David and Gerard.--Results of his Visit.--Letter from Mr.

Roscoe.--Fuseli's Remarks on some of the Paintings in the Louvre.--Letter from Mr. Smirke.--Fuseli elected Keeper of the Royal Academy.--Incidental Anecdote.--Letter to Mr. Joseph Johnson.

In March 1801, Fuseli delivered three lectures on painting, at the Royal Academy, which were numerously attended, and he gained much applause.

The feelings of the Academicians, the students, and the public, with respect to the lectures, will be shewn by the following letters from Joseph Farington, Esq. R.A. the friend of Fuseli, and a gentleman who at this time took a lead in all the affairs of the Royal Academy.

"Tuesday, March 17, 1801.

"DEAR SIR,

"Though I did not attend your lecture last night, I was not the less interested for you, and, before the evening closed, had the satisfaction to receive, from one who was present, an account that was equal to my wishes. Be a.s.sured that you have made a due impression on the minds of the members, and have added to the credit of the Academy, and to your own reputation.

"I shall hope to see you soon.

"Believe me to be, dear Sir, "Your's most sincerely, "Jos. Farington."

"To Henry Fuseli, Esq."

"Tuesday, March 24, 1801.

"DEAR SIR,

"I have still more reason to congratulate you on the effect of your last night's discourse, which made a still stronger impression in your favour. Go on, for the honour of the Academy, your own credit, and, I hope, interest.