1796 Watercolour on wove paper mounted on thick paper mounted on lined, framed
590 x 480 mm. Bequest: George Powell 1882
This work, 'Satan Calling Forth his Legions' (WD441) and 'The Birth of Sin' (WD442) are finished paintings for two of the engravings illustrating Boydell's edition of Milton's Poetical Works (1792-4). This painting is reproduced as an engraving opposite page 247 in volume III of Boydell's edition of Milton's poems as an illustration for Elegy V
Mythological scene, nymph and two satyrs. Two satyrs fight over the possession of a nymph, the latter held over the right shoulder of the satyr on the left. The nymph holds a garland of flowers in each hand. On the right is a tree trunk, red drape and a tipped urn. On the left, in the background, are trees and two dancing nymphs. Painted with washes and body colour. Pencil underdrawing