Milton Dictating to His Daughter 1794

Henry Fuseli's 1794 painting, "Milton Dictating to His Daughter," depicts the English poet John Milton dictating his epic poem Paradise Lost to his daughter. The scene is set in a dimly lit room, with a single beam of light illuminating the figures. Milton, seated and blindfolded, appears to be in a state of deep concentration. His daughter, standing and writing, is intently focused on her task. The painting captures the intensity of the creative process and the close relationship between father and daughter. Fuseli's dynamic composition and dramatic use of light and shadow create a sense of awe and wonder, highlighting the power of the written word.