Who painted The Scapegoat?

The Scapegoat was painted by Charles Mottram in 1861.

Where can I see The Scapegoat?

The Scapegoat is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is The Scapegoat?

The Scapegoat is associated with Impressionism.

Can I buy a print of The Scapegoat?

Museum-quality prints of The Scapegoat are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

The Scapegoat

Charles Mottram , 1861

The Scapegoat is an ink print by the Impressionist artist Charles Mottram. It dates from 1861 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

Inscription: Inscribed:lower left in image: OOSDOM. DEAD SEA / 18(WHH)54 (in monogram); lower left in plate: PAINTED BY W. HOLMAN HUNT.; lower center in plate: London, Published by Henry Graves & Compy. August 20th 1861. Printsellers to the Queen-- 6 Mall Pall. / THE SCAPE GOAT. / Surely he hath borne our Grief, and carried our Sorrows... And the Goat shall bear upon him all their Iniquities into a Land not inhabited; lower right in plate: ENGRAVED BY CHARLES MOTTRAM … …

About this work

Overview

Created in 1861, The Scapegoat is a print that merges etching, engraving, and mezzotint on wove paper. The composition centers on a solitary goat perched on a craggy shore, with distant mountains and a cloudy sky forming a subdued backdrop. The animal’s textured coat and curved horns dominate the visual field, while the surrounding landscape recedes into softer tones.

Subject & Meaning

The work presents a single goat as the focal point, isolated against a stark, rocky terrain that hints at a body of water nearby. The animal’s posture and detailed fur suggest a contemplative stillness, inviting viewers to consider themes of solitude and perhaps the biblical notion of a scapegoat bearing collective burdens, though no explicit narrative is provided.

Technique & Style

Mottram combined three intaglio methods: etching for fine line work, engraving for precise edges, and mezzotint to achieve rich, velvety shadows. This layered approach allows the goat’s fur to appear tactile, while the background is rendered with broader, less defined tones, creating a clear visual hierarchy that emphasizes the central figure.

History & Provenance

British engraver Charles Henry Mottram, active in the mid‑19th century, produced the print primarily as a reproductive work, translating painted subjects into print form. Though details of his early life remain vague, Mottram’s reputation rested on his ability to render complex images for a wider audience, and The Scapegoat exemplifies his skill in merging multiple intaglio techniques.