Book Description

Throughout his lifetime the name Henry Fuseli (1741-1825) was constantly invoked as the epitome of untrammelled genius and originality. In our own day he is recognised not only as a seminal figure in the rise of Romanticism but as a great artist and master illustrator in his own right. He is also the only member of the Royal Academy ever to hold the positions of Professor of Painting and Keeper in that institution concurrently. This comprehensive catalogue of the prints and engraved illustrations by and after Henry Fuseli explores the nature and extent of Fuseli's role as history painter cum illustrator. It documents the intricate financial, artistic and business practices that shaped the complex working relationships between artist, engraver, printer and publisher. Such materials also help elucidate how engraved versions of Fuseli's and other artists' paintings stimulated public interest in the arts and literature, thereby becoming an important means of cultural transmission to the middle class.