Comedy was painted by John Hamilton Mortimer in 1778.

Where can I see Comedy?

Comedy is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Comedy?

Comedy is associated with Romanticism.

Artwork

Comedy

John Hamilton Mortimer , 1778

Comedy is an ink print by the Romanticist artist John Hamilton Mortimer. It dates from 1778 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Comedy is an etching created by British artist John Hamilton Mortimer in 1778. It showcases a dramatic scene characteristic of Mortimer's work, blending influences from Italian subjects and the war-tinted landscapes of Salvator Rosa.

Subject & Meaning

The etching features a central female figure holding a book labeled 'NATURE', accompanied by two playful children, one of whom holds a mirror. The scene conveys a sense of joy and carefree abandon, set against a natural backdrop of foliage and clouds.

Technique & Style

Executed in etching, the work reflects Mortimer's skill in the medium. While the style is described in relation to broader influences, specific technical aspects of the etching (e.g., line work, tonal range) are not detailed in the provided sources.

History & Provenance

Created in 1778, Comedy is part of Mortimer's late output; he died in 1779 at 39. Mortimer previously held the presidency of the Society of Artists (1774), indicating his established position within the British art community.

Context

Though initially attributed to the Romanticism movement in the visual note, Mortimer's period and style more accurately align with the late 18th-century precursor movements to Romanticism, influenced by earlier European artistic traditions.

Legacy

The legacy of Comedy specifically is not outlined in the provided information, though it represents Mortimer's contribution to late 18th-century British art, particularly in printmaking and figure composition.

Artist & collection

Artist

John Hamilton Mortimer

John Hamilton Mortimer (17 September 1740 – 4 February 1779) was a British figure and landscape painter and printmaker, known for romantic paintings set in Italy, works depicting conversations, and works drawn in the…