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Canute

Canute

After (British, 1757 - 1827)
Additional Title(s)
  • Visionary heads [no. 4 of 9]
ClassificationsDRAWINGS
Daten.d.
Mediumpencil
Dimensions9 1/4 x 7 1/2 in. (23.5 x 19 cm.) sheet: 10 x 7 5/8 in. (25.4 x 19.4 cm.)
DescriptionA replica (?) of Blake's original of ca. 1819-20. An almost identical, but slightly larger, head of Canute is in the National Gallery of Art, Washington (Butlin 1981, No. 721). A good many lines in the Huntington drawing have been strengthened in a rather mechanical and studied manner, suggesting that it was copied from the other version, perhaps with the aid of the graphic telescope. There is also a counterproof, made from the National Gallery drawing, in the collection of Jonathon Wordsworth, Oxford (Butlin 1981, No. 723). Canute, (or Cnut, 994?-1035), greatest of the Danish kings of ancient Briton, is remembered in most chronicles as a brave warrior, a fierce but just ruler, and a patron of the church and of poets. The elaborate crown he wears in this "Visionary Head" may be Blake's response to the legend that Canute once placed his crown on a statue of Christ as a sign of humility. Blake's portrayal emphasizes Canute's nobility, and perhaps even a visionary glimmer in his upturned eyes.
InscribedInscribed below image in pencil by Linnell (?): Canute Inscribed in lower right in pencil by Linnell (?): Dark Hair & Eyes Inscribed in lower left; (4) Inscribed in lower right: 9 Inscribed below drawing on mount: VISIONARY HEAD OF KING CANUTE [followed by a brief quotation from "Gilchrist"] Inscribed in lower right of verso: 77 [upside-down]
Credit LineThe Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens
Status
Not on view
Object number000.44
Terms