Artwork

Sir Walter Raleigh Parting with His Wife

Sir Walter Raleigh Parting with His Wife, by Charles Kennedy Burt, 1846
Sir Walter Raleigh Parting with His Wife, by Charles Kennedy Burt, 1846

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.

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.

Artist & collection

Artist

Charles Kennedy Burt

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.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Cleveland Museum of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.