The Man Tormented by Dreams

The Man Tormented by Dreams is a compelling 1812 drawing of complex attribution, cataloged either as a work by William Young Ottley (English, 1771-1836) or possibly executed after the esteemed Flemish master, Peter Paul Rubens (1577-1640). This classification highlights the 19th-century European fascination with reviving and studying the emotive power of the Baroque tradition.

The drawing is executed using graphite, enhanced by brush and gray wash on cream wove paper, a technique that allowed the artist to manipulate shadows dramatically. The stark contrast between light and shadow emphasizes the psychological weight placed upon the figure, a common characteristic found in compositions originating in 17th-century Belgium and Flanders. The subject, captured in a moment of anguished repose, reflects the enduring thematic interest in dreams, nightmares, and melancholy that permeates European art history.

If the composition is indeed derived from a Rubens design, the work serves as a testament to the powerful dissemination of the master's vision long after his death. Many students and collectors, like Ottley, created detailed copies or studies based on Rubens’s originals or preparatory prints. This piece acts as a vital link demonstrating how classic compositions were transmitted and interpreted during the subsequent Neoclassical and Romantic periods. While authorship remains under discussion, the work, whether an original study or a derivation, is a powerful drawing within the Art Institute of Chicago’s collection. As an historical piece, images and prints of The Man Tormented by Dreams are often found within the public domain.