Who painted William Godwin, novelist and historian?

William Godwin, novelist and historian was painted by Daniel Maclise in 1834.

Where can I see William Godwin, novelist and historian?

William Godwin, novelist and historian is held by Victoria and Albert Museum.

What movement is William Godwin, novelist and historian?

William Godwin, novelist and historian is associated with Romanticism.

Artwork

William Godwin, novelist and historian

Daniel Maclise , 1834

William Godwin, novelist and historian is a drawing by the Romanticist artist Daniel Maclise. It dates from 1834 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

Overview

This drawing by Daniel Maclise depicts William Godwin, a prominent novelist and historian, in his later years. The work was originally published in Fraser's Magazine in 1834, accompanied by a brief biographical article.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing portrays William Godwin, author of influential works such as Political Justice and Caleb Williams. Godwin's literary family connections are notable: his wife, Mary Wollstonecraft, advocated for women's rights, and their daughter, Mary, wrote the novel Frankenstein and was married to poet Percy Bysshe Shelley.

Technique & Style

Maclise signed the drawing with the reversed monogram 'AC', corresponding to his Fraser's Magazine pseudonym, Alfred Croquis. This practice was consistent with his portrait contributions to the magazine during the 1830s.

History & Provenance

The drawing, along with manuscripts of Godwin's major works, was bequeathed to the Museum by John Forster, a admirer of Godwin who met him in 1832. The V&A's National Art Library now holds these items.

Artist & collection

Artist

Daniel Maclise

Daniel Maclise (25 January 1806 – 25 April 1870) was an Irish history painter, literary and portrait painter, and illustrator, who worked for most of his life in London, England.