Tresham R.A. (Circle of) (c.1751-1814), Henry – Ganymede and Zeus.

It has been suggested in the past that this drawing is by Henry Tresham. It is certainly typical of the work being made by a group of British and Continental artists who were working in Rome in the 1770s and 1780s and of which he was part. This group also included artists such as Barry, Brown, Runciman, and Romney and centered around Fuseli. They all made drawings of great strength, invariably in monochrome ink and washes, using the figure to dramatic effect. These drawing were almost always made as ends in themselves rather than studies for paintings. Zeus fell in love with the mortal Ganymede (as God's were prone to do) and abducted him. Ganymede became Zeus's cupbearer and was granted immortality. For centuries he was used as a symbol of homosexual love which this tender image beautifully coveys.