[Figure studies] [graphic] / [Henry Fuseli].

RESTRICTED. Use Electronic Resource. Original available by special permission only.

[Figure studies] [graphic] / [Henry Fuseli].

Folger catalog card title: Conceptual representation of King Lear humbling himself before Cornwall and Regan from King Lear by Shakespeare, an unfinished drawing, ca. 1790-1800

[ca. 1805?]

1 drawing : crayon, pencil, pen, and ink wash on paper ; irregular, 496 x 545 mm

paper

Date of ca. 1790-1800 from Gert Schiff. Johann Heinrich Fussli (illus. no. 1015). Date of ca. 1805 from observed similarity with drawings for Wieland's Oberon.

This sheet has long been identified as drawing of "King Lear humbling himself before Cornwall and Regan," specifically Lear's lines "On my knees I beg / That you'll vouchsafe me raiment, bed, and food." However, the figure is not kneeling, and there are actually three distinct studies on the sheet: a woman leaning on the arm of a chair or sofa, a mounted warrior in battle, and a bald-headed old man who may be the Hermit in Christoph Martin Wieland's epic poem Oberon.

Sketch formerly owned by the Baroness North (her stamp on verso of secondary support).

Exhibited: The Curatorial Eye: Discoveries from the Folger Vault, curated by Folger Shakespeare Library staff, Folger Shakespeare Library, Washington, D.C., June 13-August 29, 2009.

Schiff, G. Johann Heinrich Füssli, 1015

ART Box F993 no.10 (RESTRICTED)

Shelved in Deck C map case opposite elevator

cs1989