Lear
March 15, 1776 (originally published); published 1809
Medium
Etching on cream wove paper
Dimensions
Plate: 40.3 × 32 cm (15 7/8 × 12 5/8 in.); Sheet: 58.7 × 44.4 cm (23 1/8 × 17 1/2 in.)
Classification
etching
Department
Prints and Drawings
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
155623
Rights
Public Domain
About this artwork
Part of the same series of heads that includes the image of Beatrice, this work depicts the crazed King Lear as he gazes skyward. His eyes bulge and his hair whips about his face as he considers his own misdeeds and tragedy. John Hamilton Mortimer expertly captured the despair and loss of control Lear feels in this moment. The old king cries out the monologue quoted below the image.
About the Artist
John Hamilton Mortimer · 1740–1779
Comment on works: History; Portraits; Genre