Prospero, Miranda, Caliban and Ariel 1800 - 1805

Henry Fuseli made this watercolor and graphite drawing entitled, "Prospero, Miranda, Caliban and Ariel," at the turn of the 19th century. It depicts a scene from Shakespeare's play, "The Tempest". Fuseli was a key figure in the Romantic movement, and his interest in literature, particularly Shakespeare, reflects the era's fascination with emotion, the supernatural, and the power of nature. The image shows Prospero, the exiled Duke of Milan, wielding his magic, with the spirit Ariel hovering above. The figures of Miranda and Caliban are also represented. England's cultural and political landscape during this time was marked by the rise of individualism, the questioning of Enlightenment rationalism, and the impact of the French Revolution. Fuseli's art often explored the darker aspects of human psychology and the limits of reason. His illustrations of Shakespeare tapped into a growing sense of national identity and a renewed appreciation for the dramatic arts. To fully understand Fuseli’s painting, it is necessary to research the cultural and social history of the period, particularly the theater and the rise of Romanticism. By studying Fuseli’s influences, one can better understand the artwork’s meaning.