This work, 'Satan Calling Forth his Legions' (WD441) and 'Nymph and two satyrs' (WD443) are finished paintings for two of the engravings illustrating Boydell's edition of Milton's Poetical Works (1792-4)
Mythological scene, 'The Birth of Sin'. In the centre is a full-length, seated, winged, nude Satan? who is struck from behind by a bolt of light emanating from around a floating, nude female figure the latter holding a spear in her right hand. Satan? is partly covered by a red drape and holds his right hand to his chest. On the right are two fleeing female figures. Painted with washes and body colour. Pencil under-drawing.
