Dickens' Dream 1875

Robert William Buss created this unfinished oil painting, "Dickens' Dream," which offers a glimpse into the psyche of Charles Dickens and the complex world of his characters. Here, we see Dickens surrounded by the spectral figures of his literary creations; a motif we might connect to the allegorical traditions of the past. These figures, emerging from the depths of his imagination, remind us of the ancient concept of the "genius" – a guiding spirit that informs artistic creation. The swirling figures evoke the classical image of the muses, who were believed to inspire artists. Observe how these phantasmal characters, like the muses, act as intermediaries between the subconscious and the conscious world. They are symbols of collective memory and the power of storytelling. They evoke a sense of profound emotional resonance, embodying the joy, sorrow, and humanity that define Dickens' work. This, in turn, invites us to reflect on the timeless nature of storytelling and its ability to transcend cultural boundaries.