Collection: Johann Heinrich Füssli

Johann Heinrich Füssli, known as Henry Fuseli in Britain, was a Swiss painter, draughtsman, and writer on art. Born in Zürich in 1741, he spent a significant portion of his career in Britain. His work is considered an early manifestation of Romanticism, a movement he helped innovate at the turn of the 18th and 19th centuries. He held the posts of Professor of Painting and Keeper at the Royal Academy.

Füssli's artistic output frequently explored supernatural experiences and mythological themes. His compositions often featured dark tones and depicted strange, sometimes horror-infused scenes. A notable example, The Nightmare, illustrates his engagement with these otherworldly subjects. He also produced painted works for John Boydell's Shakespeare Gallery and his own Milton Gallery.

Füssli's distinctive style had a considerable influence on younger British artists of his era. His work, alongside that of William Blake, represents an early expression of Romanticism in English art. He was elected a member of the Royal Academy in 1790.