Biography

Fuseli's paintings and drawings demonstrate his original and imaginative interpretation of dramatic literary themes. Born in Switzerland he received an excellent grounding in the arts from his father, a writer, collector and artist. Fuseli's own artistic career began after he left Switzerland, and his job as a church minister. He arrived in London via Germany. Encouraged by Sir Joshua Reynolds he travelled to Italy where he stayed for eight years based in Rome. On his return to London he produced paintings depicting scenes from Shakespeare and classical authors and was later made Professor of Painting at the Royal Academy.