Who painted King Lear Weeping over the Dead Body of Cordelia?

King Lear Weeping over the Dead Body of Cordelia was painted by James Barry in 1794.

Where can I see King Lear Weeping over the Dead Body of Cordelia?

King Lear Weeping over the Dead Body of Cordelia is held by Tate.

What movement is King Lear Weeping over the Dead Body of Cordelia?

King Lear Weeping over the Dead Body of Cordelia is associated with Neoclassicism.

Can I buy a print of King Lear Weeping over the Dead Body of Cordelia?

Museum-quality prints of King Lear Weeping over the Dead Body of Cordelia are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

King Lear Weeping over the Dead Body of Cordelia

James Barry , 1794

King Lear Weeping over the Dead Body of Cordelia is an oil painting by the Neoclassicist artist James Barry. It dates from 1794 and is held in the collection of the Tate.

About this work

Overview

This oil painting, created by James Barry in 1794, depicts a poignant scene from Shakespeare's King Lear. It is now part of the Tate Britain collection.

Subject & Meaning

The painting shows King Lear mourning over the lifeless body of his daughter Cordelia, a tragic scene from Shakespeare's play. The figures are set against a landscape with onlookers, conveying a sense of sorrow and loss.

Technique & Style

Executed in the neoclassical style, the work features a dramatic composition with a focus on expressive figures. Barry's use of oil paint allows for rich color and texture, evident in the characters' clothing and the landscape.

History & Provenance

The painting is the work of James Barry, an Irish artist known for his independent approach and early romantic leanings. Barry is also recognized for his series, The Progress of Human Culture, created for the Royal Society of Arts.

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Artist & collection

Artist

James Barry

James Barry (11 October 1741 – 22 February 1806) was an Irish painter, best remembered for his six-part series of paintings entitled The Progress of Human Culture in the Great Room of the Royal Society of Arts in London.