Richard II (from "Twelve Characters from Shakespeare") 1775

This 1775 etching by John Hamilton Mortimer depicts Richard II, the last of the Plantagenet Kings of England. The subject's somber facial expression and ornate headdress are framed by an oval, reflecting the popular format of portraiture during the late 18th century. The work is notable for the skeletal figure of Death hovering above Richard’s head, foreshadowing his fall from power and tragic demise. This dramatic portrayal of Richard II exemplifies Mortimer's exploration of the human condition through art and his unique ability to imbue his work with both theatrical intensity and psychological depth.