Milton Dictating to His Daughter

Henry Fuseli

Created:
Movement:
1794
Romanticism
key Notes:
Romanticism, Literary Inspiration
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Dimensions:
121.2 × 118.7 cm (47 3/4 × 46 3/4 in.); Framed: 142.9 × 130.5 cm (56 1/4 × 51 3/8 in.)
medium:
Oil on canvas
Difficulty:
Expert
New game
story of the work:

"Milton Dictating to His Daughter" by Henry Fuseli depicts the English poet John Milton, who was blind in his later years, dictating his work to one of his daughters. The painting reflects Fuseli's interest in literary subjects and the Romantic fascination with the figure of Milton, emphasizing the theme of creativity overcoming physical limitations.

Description of the work:

"Milton Dictating to His Daughter" by Henry Fuseli depicts the English poet John Milton, seated and blind, as he dictates to one of his daughters, who is attentively writing. The composition is characterized by dramatic chiaroscuro, with strong contrasts of light and shadow highlighting the figures, and Fuseli's distinctive use of elongated forms and expressive gestures enhances the emotional intensity of the scene.

Artwork Photograph Source:
Art Institute of Chicago

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Milton Dictating to His Daughter