Artwork

Untitled

Untitled, by John Hamilton Mortimer, 1775
Untitled, by John Hamilton Mortimer, 1775

Untitled is a drawing by the Romanticist artist John Hamilton Mortimer. It dates from 1775 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

Overview

This untitled drawing by John Hamilton Mortimer is a study for a depiction of King Lear. It showcases the artist's distinctive style, characterized by fine lines and dense cross-hatching.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing portrays an elderly man, likely King Lear, overcome with emotion. His wild hair and twisted face convey a sense of anguish, while his hands grasping his head suggest despair. The surrounding dark, jagged lines evoke a turbulent atmosphere.

Technique & Style

Mortimer employed a technique of fine lines and dense cross-hatching to create a sharp, intense image. The lines not only provide shading but also contribute to the overall sense of turmoil, suggesting a stormy environment.

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…