Artwork

Jealous Monster

Jealous Monster, by John Hamilton Mortimer, ink, 1778
Jealous Monster, by John Hamilton Mortimer, ink, 1778

Jealous Monster 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

Jealous Monster is an etching on pale green paper created by John Hamilton Mortimer in 1778. The work is characteristic of Mortimer's dramatic and often violent subject matter.

Subject & Meaning

The etching depicts a chaotic scene with figures in turbulent water, one man with his arm raised, and another being pulled down. The scene conveys turmoil and tension, suggesting a violent struggle.

Technique & Style

Mortimer's use of etching on pale green paper adds depth and texture to the image. The work's dramatic and emotive depiction is associated with the emerging Romanticism movement.

History & Provenance

John Hamilton Mortimer was a British painter and printmaker who served as President of the Society of Artists in 1774. He died at age 39, a year after holding this position.

Artist & collection

Portrait of John Hamilton Mortimer

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…

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