Artwork
King Lear in the Storm
King Lear in the Storm is a print by the Romanticist artist Benjamin West. It dates from 1793 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Overview
King Lear in the Storm is a print created using a combination of etching and engraving techniques. It reproduces a painting by Benjamin West, an American-born artist, for a major project showcasing scenes from Shakespeare's plays.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts a scene from Act III, scene iv of King Lear, showing the titular character and his companions struggling through a storm on a heath. Lear, in a state of derangement, attempts to remove his clothing as his companions urge him to seek shelter.
Technique & Style
The print combines etched lines, created by acid's action on the metal plate, with engraved lines, gouged into the plate using a burin. This dual technique allows for varied textures and detail levels.
History & Provenance
The print was part of the Boydell Shakespeare Gallery, a project initiated by John Boydell in 1786. The gallery featured paintings by prominent artists, including West, Reynolds, and Fuseli, which were later reproduced as engravings. The print was published in 1802 as part of a new edition of Shakespeare's plays.
Context
The Boydell Shakespeare Gallery was an ambitious undertaking, aiming to finance itself through print sales. Although some prints faced criticism for quality and delays, King Lear in the Storm was well received.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Benjamin West (October 10, 1738 – March 11, 1820) was an American-born British painter who specialised in history painting, creating such works as The Death of Nelson, The Death of General Wolfe, the Treaty of Paris,…
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