Artwork
Lear and Cordelia
Lear and Cordelia is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Butts, Jr., Thomas. It dates from 1807 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. Thomas Butts, Jr.
About this work
Overview
Thomas Butts, Jr.'s engraving Lear and Cordelia, circa 1807, presents a poignant portrait of two figures from Shakespeare's King Lear in a circular frame.
Subject & Meaning
The engraving depicts the aged King Lear, identifiable by his long white beard and contemplative expression, alongside his daughter Cordelia, characterized by softer features and loose curls, conveying a sense of serene intimacy between the two.
Technique & Style
Executed in black lines with nuanced shading, the work achieves a textured, three-dimensional quality through the artist's meticulous use of fine lines and dots to create depth and shadows.
History & Provenance
Created around 1807, specific details regarding the engraving's commission, exhibition history, or current location are not provided in the available information.
Context
This piece reflects the early 19th-century interest in illustrating Shakespeare's works, with Butts, Jr.'s approach emphasizing emotional depth over dramatic scenery.
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Artist & collection
