The writings of James Barry and the genre of history painting, 1775-1809

Contents

Introduction. James Barry's writings and the genre of history painting -- Barry's Inquiry into public taste -- The Progress of Human Culture as a narrative of enlightenment -- Barry's Lectures on Painting and the Royal Academy of Arts -- Wollstonecraft's reading of Milton and the sublime of Barry, Fuseli and Blake -- Barry's Self-Portrait as Timanthes and his tenure as professor of painting -- Conclusion. History painting as a 'union of talents'.