Artwork
Sir Walter Raleigh Parting with His Wife

Sir Walter Raleigh Parting with His Wife is a print by the Romanticist artist Charles Kennedy Burt. It dates from 1846 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
- Accession no.
- 1919.678
- Credit line
- Gift of George A. Goddard
About this work
Overview
Sir Walter Raleigh Parting with His Wife is an 1846 print by Charles Kennedy Burt, a Scottish-American engraver. The work captures a poignant moment of farewell between Sir Walter Raleigh and his wife before his execution.
Subject & Meaning
The print portrays the emotional scene of Sir Walter Raleigh's goodbye to his wife, set against a backdrop of personal belongings, conveying a sense of intimacy and impending loss. The inclusion of a watching boy, scattered books, globe, and tools, adds depth to the domestic and intellectual context of the subject.
Technique & Style
Burt employed chiaroscuro, a technique utilizing strong contrasts of light and dark, to create a dramatic and emotionally charged atmosphere in the print. This stylistic choice was characteristic of the artistic approach of the time, enhancing the scene's emotional impact.
History & Provenance
Created in 1846, the print is part of The Cleveland Museum of Art's collection. Notably, Burt later engraved the portrait of Abraham Lincoln used on the U.S. five-dollar bill, highlighting his versatility and recognition.
Own this work as a print
Artist & collection
Artist
Charles Kennedy Burt (8 November 1823 – 25 March 1892) was a Scottish-born American artist best known for his line engraving of Abraham Lincoln on the $5 Bill.










