Augustus Edwin John, O.M., R.A. (1878-1961)

In 1900 John began a large painting of Faust and Mephistopheles witnessing a witches' coven on the summit of the Brocken. This oil was never exhibited but was probably very similar to a pen and wash drawing of the same subject (Tate, fig. 1), and a smaller oil (the present work).

Humphrey Brooke (1914-1988) was secretary of the Royal Academy from 1952-68, and lent the present work to John's 1954 exhibition at the Diploma Gallery.