(New York/Connecticutÿ, 1756-1843)The Tempest, 1784, signed and inscribed in the artist's hand verso "J. Trumbull/London - 15th Nov. 1784/Justum a tenecum propositi virum/ non fulminatis magna munus Jovis munte quatil solida./Ti priutus inhabitor Orbis./Imavidum foriul ruiner.", pen, brown and black ink and ink wash on laid paper, 5-7/8 x 4-7/8 in.; gilt wood frame, 13-3/4 x 12-3/4 in.Note:ÿContemplating John Trumbull's title for this drawing leads one to draw parallels to Shakespeare's, Prospero in The Tempest. The lone subject alludes to the banished dictator who used magic to control the weather on his island. Shakespeare allows his audience to see his forgiving heart and his greater intentions to show other corrupt politicians the error of their ways away from their political systems. If Trumbull is referencing Shakespeare's writings, then this would be one of only two known drawings to do so.As one turns over the sheet the translation of the Latin inscription states,"It is a just proposition that man should not rail against the great hand of Jove, for in doing so one risks the ruination of the world," illuminates the purpose of the composition. It seemed to be a subject of interest to paint "The Deluge" in the late 18th/early 19th century as part of a trend to use Biblical subjects as a sensationalist and intellectual exercise. Trumbull possibly suggests the allegorical man facing the wrath of "Jove" in reference to the Roman god, the supreme ruler of heaven and earth who often manifested himself atmospherically. This drawing predates one of Trumbull's last paintings titled The Last Family to Perish in the Deluge (Yale University Art Gallery) by fifty years, having been painted in 1838.Literature:ÿHenkels, S. V., and Benjamin Silliman.ÿCatalogue of the Very Important Collection of Studies and Sketches Made by Col. John Trumbull (Sometime Aide-De-Camp to Gen. Washington): For His Great Historical Paintings As Well As His Important Collection of Engravings and Portraits, in Mezzotint, Line and Stipple, and His Certificate and Badge of the Cincinnati, Also the Unique Washington Pitcher and Punch Bowl from the Old Coffee-House, Phila. : to Be Sold ... Dec. 17th, 1896.ÿHelen A. Cooper, editor: [publisher not identified], 1896, pg 12, no.124.Sizer, Theodore. The Works of Colonel John Trumbull, Artist of the American Revolution. New Haven: Yale University Press, 1967, p. 121 (misnumbered as Silliman 125)Stebbins, Theodore E., American Master Drawings and Watercolors: A History of Works on Paper from Colonial Times to the Present. 1976, pp. 36-42ÿ; Provenance: John Trumbull; Collection of Benjamin Silliman, Esq,; By descent in family; Silliman Sale, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, December 17, 1896, lot no.124 (accompanied by partial facsimile copy of the catalog); Collection of Charles Allen Munn, 1896; By descent in family then gifted to Mrs. Percy Chubb, Chester, New Jersey, circa 1940; L. Caldecot Chubb consigned to The Old Print Shop, New York (label and tag); William Reese Company, New Haven, Connecticut, purchased 1999 for $16,000 (accompanied by original receipt); The Estate of William N. Banks, Jr., Newnan, Georgia light toning, hinged in at top, some abraded ink at edges; frame with minor abrasions