Presumption Collection

Ocyrrhoe - Mare
The daughter of the centaur Chiron tells Aesculapius that he will be a famous physician, but she is turned into a mare for her presumption

Danger of Presumption (engraving)
2800224 Danger of Presumption (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Danger of Presumption)

Medal ordered by Napoleon in preparation for a successful invasion of England
KDC379793 Medal ordered by Napoleon in preparation for a successful invasion of England, 1804 (litho) by Jeuffroy, Romain-Vincent (1749-1826) (after); Private Collection; (add.info.: Obverse)

"Behold here how the slothful are a sign"from The Pilgrim
5615794 " Behold here how the slothful are a sign" from The Pilgrims Progress From This World, To That Which Is To Come by John Bunyan (1628-1688) Great-Heart accompany Christiana

APOLLO
After Apollo has successfully defeated the Phrygian musician Marsyas in a contest, who can best play the flute, he rather unsportingly flays his rival alive for his presumption

MARSYAS
A Phrygian flute-player who challenged Apollo to a contest of musical skill, lost, and was flayed alive for his presumption

The Diner Who Addressed The Maitre D Hotel As Garcon
Maitre D Hotel stunned by a offensive presumption that he is a waiter not a manager. Bateman (1887-1970) was a popular artist and regularly contributed to the Sketch, the Tatler and the Bystander

BLAKE: GOD ANSWERS JOB. Job Confessing His Presumption to God Who Answers from the Whirlwind. Pen, ink, and watercolor over pencil on paper by William Blake, 1803-5

Muses and Magpies
The Muses are challenged by the nine daughters of Pieros to a singing contest; but the talentless females are sadly out-sung and are turned into magpies for their presumption

For sale as Licensed Images

Choose your image, Select your licence and Download the media

Amidst the tranquil waters of Ocyrrhoe's Mare, the Danger is vividly depicted in an engraving, a timeless reminder of the perils of overestimating one's abilities. Napoleon, in his audacious pursuit of power, even ordered a medal in preparation for a successful invasion of England, a presumption that ultimately fell short. The Pilgrim cautions us, "Behold here how the slothful are a sign," as we ponder the fate of Apollo, who presumed to outmatch Marsyas in music, only to be punished mercilessly. The diner who addressed the maitre d' as 'garçon' learned the hard way that they are lead to misunderstandings and embarrassment. Blake's depiction of Job's confession to God, who answers from the whirlwind, underscores the importance of humility in the face of the unknown. And yet, even the Muses and Magpies, with their seemingly endless knowledge and cunning, are not immune to the allure of presumption. Let this cautionary tale serve as a reminder to tread carefully and with humility, lest we fall victim to the dangerous allure of presumption.