Consisting Of The Seven Discarded Plates To Illustrate Cervantes Don Quixote

HOGARTH’S REJECTED and SUPPRESSED PLATES: CONSISTING OF THE SEVEN DISCARDED PLATES TO ILLUSTRATE CERVANTES’S DON QUIXOTE AND THE “ TWO LITTLE PICTURES, CALLED BEFORE AND AFTER, FOR MR.THOMPSON

by Jane Sullivan

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Language	:	English
File size	:	3690 KB
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Discover the Lost Art of the Seven Discarded Plates

In the vast tapestry of literary history, the tale of Don Quixote stands as a timeless masterpiece, a testament to the enduring power of human folly and the indomitable spirit of imagination. However, few know the intriguing story behind the seven discarded plates that nearly altered the course of this beloved novel.

As Miguel de Cervantes embarked on his epic journey to immortalize the tale of the chivalrous knight-errant, he commissioned a series of plates to illustrate the adventures of Don Quixote. These plates, created by the renowned engraver Francisco de Goya, were intended to visually enhance the novel and bring its characters and scenes to life.

However, fate had a different plan. For reasons unknown, Cervantes discarded seven of the original plates, leaving behind a tantalizing glimpse into the alternative paths that Don Quixote's story could have taken. These discarded plates have become the subject of intense speculation and fascination among scholars and enthusiasts alike.

Unveiling the Enigmatic Imagery

Plate 1: Don Quixote Charging Windmills

This discarded plate depicts the iconic scene of Don Quixote jousting with windmills, a symbol of his delusional quest for glory. The plate captures the knight's unwavering determination, even in the face of insurmountable odds.

Plate 2: Don Quixote and Sancho Panza

This plate portrays the unlikely duo of Don Quixote and his loyal squire, Sancho Panza. The contrast between the knight's grandiose dreams and Sancho's pragmatic nature is vividly expressed in this captivating image.

Plate 3: Don Quixote and Dulcinea

This plate depicts Don Quixote's idealized love, Dulcinea, as a beautiful and virtuous woman. However, in reality, Dulcinea is nothing more than a peasant woman whom Don Quixote has transformed into his fantasy.

Plate 4: Don Quixote and the Duchess

This plate depicts Don Quixote's encounter with the Duchess, a powerful and intelligent woman who tests the knight's sanity and brings his delusions to light.

Plate 5: Don Quixote and the Lions

This plate captures the moment when Don Quixote confronts a pair of lions in a cage, proving once again the knight's unwavering courage in the face of danger.

Plate 6: Don Quixote and the Ship of Fools

This plate portrays Don Quixote sailing away on a ship filled with other madmen, a poignant metaphor for the knight's descent into madness and his ultimate defeat.

Plate 7: Don Quixote's Deathbed

This plate depicts Don Quixote's final moments, as he renounces his delusions and returns to his true identity as Alonso Quijano. It is a poignant and powerful image that captures the bittersweet end of the knight's extraordinary journey.

Exploring the Hidden Meanings

Beyond their artistic value, the seven discarded plates hold a wealth of symbolic and allegorical meanings. They offer insights into the themes of madness, idealism, disillusionment, and the search for meaning in a chaotic world.

The windmill scene represents Don Quixote's futile pursuit of glory and his inability to distinguish between reality and fantasy. The plate with Sancho Panza highlights the contrast between the knight's lofty ideals and the squire's practical nature.

The depiction of Dulcinea as an idealized figure symbolizes Don Quixote's tendency to romanticize the world and to project his own desires onto others. The plate with the Duchess reveals the power of reason and logic to challenge the knight's delusions.

The scene with the lions represents Don Quixote's unwavering courage and his willingness to face danger, even when it is ultimately futile. The Ship of Fools plate is a metaphor for the knight's descent into madness and his ultimate failure to achieve his dreams.

Finally, the deathbed scene captures the bittersweet moment when Don Quixote renounces his delusions and confronts the reality of his own mortality. It is a poignant reminder of the human condition and the inevitable end of all our dreams.

The seven discarded plates of Don Quixote are a fascinating and enigmatic collection that offers a unique glimpse into the creative process of one of the greatest writers in history. They provide a glimpse into the alternative paths that Cervantes could have taken and shed light on the complex themes and characters that drive the novel.

For lovers of literature, these plates are a must-see, as they offer a deeper understanding of Don Quixote and the enduring legacy of Cervantes' masterpiece. Whether you are a seasoned scholar or a first-time reader, the seven discarded plates are sure to captivate your imagination and leave you pondering the infinite possibilities of the written word.