Henry Fuseli

Date of Birth: February 7, 1741

Zodiac Sign: Aquarius

Date of Death: April 16, 1825

Biography

Henry Fuseli was a Swiss-born artist and writer who spent much of his career in Britain. Born Johann Heinrich Füssli, he was a prominent figure in the Romantic movement and is best known for his dramatic and often nightmarish paintings. Fuseli’s work is characterized by its bold use of light and shadow, as well as its intense emotional content. He was also a professor of painting at the Royal Academy of Arts in London and made substantial contributions to the art world through his teaching and writings. His most famous work, “The Nightmare,” remains an iconic piece in the history of art, capturing the imagination of audiences with its haunting imagery.

5 Interesting Facts about Henry Fuseli

1. Henry Fuseli originally trained as a clergyman before deciding to pursue a career in art.

2. He changed his name from Johann Heinrich Füssli to Henry Fuseli when he moved to England.

3. Fuseli was profoundly influenced by classical literature, particularly the works of Homer, Dante, and Shakespeare.

4. His painting “The Nightmare” became an instant sensation upon its release and has been widely referenced in popular culture.

5. He was known for his eccentric personality and sometimes controversial opinions on art and literature.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Henry Fuseli

1. “One of the most important days of my life was when I learned to draw the human figure.”

2. “Art is the daughter of freedom.”

3. “Nature is a dictionary; one draws words from it.”

4. “The imagination is the spur of delights… all depends upon it.”

5. “In art, there is no end but the beginning.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

There are no reliable estimates of Henry Fuseli’s net worth at the time of his death, as art valuation and financial records from the 18th and early 19th centuries are often incomplete. However, his works have gained immense value posthumously.