Rome, Titus's Garden–Lucius Pursued by Lavinia (Shakespeare, Titus Andronicus, Act 4, Scene 1) 1793 - 1852

This engraving by Thomas Kirk, created between 1793 and 1852, depicts a scene from William Shakespeare's play "Titus Andronicus." The work, titled "Rome, Titus's Garden–Lucius Pursued by Lavinia (Shakespeare, Titus Andronicus, Act 4, Scene 1)," captures the moment when Lavinia, a young woman who has been brutally abused, flees from her attacker, Lucius, while her father, Titus, and a servant, look on in horror. Kirk masterfully renders the drama and emotion of this tragic event through detailed figures and expressive poses. The scene is set within a grand garden, adding to the sense of turmoil and violence. This print, now housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, showcases Kirk's talent for illustrating literary works with both precision and emotional impact.