Edgar (from "Twelve Characters from Shakespeare") 1775

John Hamilton Mortimer's 1775 etching *Edgar* is a powerful portrait of the Shakespearean character. Edgar, from *King Lear*, is depicted in a naturalistic style, with his face appearing weary, possibly as a result of his perilous journey. The detailed depiction of the character’s disheveled clothing, suggestive of his descent into madness, and the inclusion of a quote from the play, are elements that help viewers understand the context of the piece. Mortimer's artwork is considered a significant example of the neoclassical style, popular in the 18th century. This work, part of a series of 12 prints, is housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.