Art Institute of Chicago

The Slaying of Red Comyn by Robert the Bruce

Henry Fuseli

Date

1810–16

Medium

Pen and brown iron gall ink, with brush and brown and gray wash, over chalk (recto), and black chalk (verso), on tan laid paper

Culture

England

Department

Prints and Drawings

Institution

Art Institute of Chicago

Fuseli illustrates the moment immediately after Robert the Bruce kills his rival to the Scottish throne, John “Red” Comyn. This event took place in 1306 in the Franciscan monastery in Dumfries, Scotland. Fuseli places the swaggering Robert front stage, nonchalantly resheathing his sword. In the background, the dying Comyn has collapsed in the arms of the friars. The figure of Robert—whose exaggerated musculature was inspired by both ancient Roman sculpture and Michelangelo—is seen from slightly below, emphasizing his dominance. Fuseli’s expert use of wash creates brilliant effects of sunlight and cast shadow, increasing the scene’s drama.

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