Study of Naked Athletes

WAG 8829

Information

Previously owned by William Roscoe (1753 - 1831), the Liverpool businessman, lawyer and abolitionist, this drawing was originally thought to be by Fuseli himself but has since been re-attributed as a copy of a work by Fuseli by an unknown artist in his circle. Roscoe may have owned the Fuseli drawing as well as this one. Fuseli was close friends with Roscoe, describing him as 'the man nearest my heart'. Fuseli visited Liverpool often, exhibiting works at the Liverpool Academy over several years. Many Liverpool collectors owned works by Fuseli, probably purchased at these exhibitions. Local artists, including the sculptor John Gibson (1790 - 1866), studied and were influenced by Fuseli's works.