Circe

Date created: 1911

The back of the canvas is inscribed 'Circe'. The painting is also known as 'The Sorceress'.

"These metaphysics of magicians
And necromantic books are heavenly: Lines, circles, letters and characters:
Ay, these are those that Faustus most desires.
O, what a world of profit and delight,
Of power, of honour, of omnipotence
Is promised to the studious artisan!
All things that move between the quiet poles
Shall be at my command: emperors and kings
Are but obeyed in their several provinces
Nor can they raise the wind nor rend the clouds;
But his dominion that exceeds in this
Stretcheth as far as doth the mind of man.
A sound magician is a mighty god: Here, Faustus, try thy brains to gain a deity."

Quoted from Faust by Christopher Marlowe.