Who painted King Lear in the Storm?

King Lear in the Storm was painted by Benjamin West in 1793.

Where can I see King Lear in the Storm?

King Lear in the Storm is held by Victoria and Albert Museum.

What movement is King Lear in the Storm?

King Lear in the Storm is associated with Romanticism.

Artwork

King Lear in the Storm

Benjamin West , 1793

King Lear in the Storm is a print by the Romanticist artist Benjamin West. It dates from 1793 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

Overview

King Lear in the Storm is a print created using a combination of etching and engraving techniques. It reproduces a painting by Benjamin West, an American-born artist, for a major project showcasing scenes from Shakespeare's plays.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a scene from Act III, scene iv of King Lear, showing the titular character and his companions struggling through a storm on a heath. Lear, in a state of derangement, attempts to remove his clothing as his companions urge him to seek shelter.

Technique & Style

The print combines etched lines, created by acid's action on the metal plate, with engraved lines, gouged into the plate using a burin. This dual technique allows for varied textures and detail levels.

History & Provenance

The print was part of the Boydell Shakespeare Gallery, a project initiated by John Boydell in 1786. The gallery featured paintings by prominent artists, including West, Reynolds, and Fuseli, which were later reproduced as engravings. The print was published in 1802 as part of a new edition of Shakespeare's plays.

Context

The Boydell Shakespeare Gallery was an ambitious undertaking, aiming to finance itself through print sales. Although some prints faced criticism for quality and delays, King Lear in the Storm was well received.