Lear and Cordelia
1807
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
About the artist
1807
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
Lear and Cordelia is a 1807 ink by Butts, Jr., Thomas, a Romanticism work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This image shows two faces side by side in a round frame. The person on the left has a long white beard and a serious expression. The person on the right has softer features, with loose curls and a calm look. Both are drawn in black lines with shading that makes their skin and hair look textured. The older face has a hand resting on their chin, while the younger one tilts their head slightly. The artist used fine lines and dots to create shadows and depth, giving the image a detailed, almost three-dimensional feel. Next, look up engraving to see how this technique works.
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.
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.
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.
Created around 1807, specific details regarding the engraving's commission, exhibition history, or current location are not provided in the available information.
This piece reflects the early 19th-century interest in illustrating Shakespeare's works, with Butts, Jr.'s approach emphasizing emotional depth over dramatic scenery.
Read the full account in the museum source.
Your cart is empty
Explore artworks →
