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Johann Jakob Bodmer

40 of 3516 portraits matching these criteria:

- subject matching 'Pencil'

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Johann Jakob Bodmer

by Henry Fuseli
pencil, 1778-1779
15 1/4 in. x 12 in. (387 mm x 305 mm)
Given by Marion Harry Spielmann, 1939
Primary Collection
NPG 3027

Sitterback to top

Artistback to top

  • Henry Fuseli (1741-1825), Painter. Artist or producer associated with 3 portraits, Sitter in 11 portraits.

This portraitback to top

The sitter's penetrating gaze in this confident drawing caused it to be originally identified as a self-portrait by the leading Gothic artist Henry Fuseli. Later research has, however, shown that it was a preparatory study for a painting depicting Fuseli's tutor, Johann Bodmer. Fuseli's style was greatly influenced by Michelangelo's anatomical drawings and the works of the Italian mannerists, which he had seen on a visit Rome from 1770 to 1778. However, Fuseli favoured dynamic contrasts which highlight the underlying structure of Bodmer's face. The darkened eye-sockets and simplified musculature around the jaw give this portrait its commanding presence.

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Events of 1778back to top

Current affairs

Catholic Relief Act is the first to provide a measure of catholic emancipation, modifying the penal laws that effectively prevented Catholics from holding public office. The reform is encouraged by the Lord Chief Justice, Lord Mansfield, who had balked at various prosecutions under the statutes now repealed.

Art and science

Francis D'Arblay, writing as Fanny Burney, publishes her novel Evelina, or the History of a Young Lady's Entrance into the World, in which she satirises contemporary society.
Engineer Joseph Bramah invents a type of flush toilet, replacing the usual slide valve with a hinged flap that seals the bottom of the bowl.

International

American War of Independence: France, joining the American colonies in their fight against Britain, sends a large fleet across the Atlantic. The British rapidly abandon Philadelphia. The American naval hero John Paul Jones makes successful raids around the coasts of Britain.
James Cook's third Pacific voyage, aboard the ships HMS Resolution and HMS Discovery, first views Oahu then Kauai in the Hawaiian Islands, which Cook names the Sandwich Islands.

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